The following is a press release regarding the scholarships recently awarded by the New Hartford Lions Club:
The New Hartford Lions Club recently awarded scholarships recognizing accomplishment and dedication to community service to six New Hartford teens who just graduated from Northwestern Regional #7 High School.
Through the Club’s Scholarship Program, any New Hartford high school senior is eligible to apply for assistance with their first year of post-secondary education or training. The 2012 Lions Club scholarship recipients are: Nicole Folino, Meredith Kurtz, Caleb MacDonald, Alia Miller, Lauren Schiffer and Christina Warchol. Each student received $850 to assist with tuition, books or other expenses directly related to their freshman year in college. The scholarships were awarded on Monday, June 18 during the Lions Generabl Meeting at the Beekley Memorial Library in New Hartford Center.
As a community service organization, the New Hartford Lions Club seeks to foster volunteering and community service among young people in our town. This year, the Lions Scholarship Program adopted an increased emphasis on rewarding active and committed volunteering by student applicants. The Club’s Scholarship Committee also gave high points to those who demonstrated an awareness of the importance of serving others and community in their activities and their written applications.
Outgoing Lions Club President Jim Creamer gave checks to each of the students while Club Secretary Judy Stewart talked about their record of service work during high school. After the check presentations, incoming Club President Donna MacDonald told the awardees: “The New Hartford Lions are delighted to recognize the spirit of community service that all of you possess. I know that you will find ways to help people and your new communities while in college and wherever you go in life. Our Scholarship Committee was so impressed with all of you and your applications and, in particular, your awareness of the importance of being role models for children and younger students. Thank you.”
The Club also presented donations to two other programs serving New Hartford residents on Monday night: $1,000 to the Neighbor to Neighbor fund and $250 to the Hands of Grace program. Funds for the annual scholarships, local families in need and the many other community, charitable and eyesight initiatives supported by the New Hartford Lions Club come primarily from their June and September Flea Market fundraisers at Brodie Park. The next Flea Market is coming up on Saturday, September 22nd. If you are interested in selling items at the event, please call 860-489-9188 or e-mail the Club at fleamarket@newhartfordctlions.org. The group also has boxes around town to receive used eyeglasses and over the past year the Club donated several hundred pairs to a program in Haiti.
In addition to Donna MacDonald, sworn in as the Club’s new President, and Judy Stewart who will serve another term as Secretary, new incoming officers are Bob Diorio, Louise Cooley, and Sandy Morgan. Outgoing President, Jim Creamer, will become the Club’s ‘Tail Twister’.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization founded in 1917 with 1.35 million members in more than 200 countries around the globe. According to the group’s fact sheet their focus has expanded greatly from its early days fighting blindness and, “Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.” More about the local Club or membership can be found at www.newhartfordctlions.org.
From left to right, 2012-13 Lions Club President Donna MacDonald, Jennifer Miller (mother of scholarship recipient Alia Miller who could not attend), Recipients Christina Warchol, Lauren Schiffer, Caleb MacDonald and Nicole Folino, and 2011-12 Club President Jim Creamer. Not pictured: Scholarship winner Meredith Kurtz.. Photo courtesy of New Hartford Lions Club
