Rotary - Annual Paul Harris Awards & Scholarships Dinner

The Paul Harris Fellowship recognition was created in memory of the Rotary Club’s founder as a way to show appreciation for contributions to the Foundation ‘s charitable and educational program. Paul Harris Fellows are advocates of the Foundation‘s goals of world peace and international understanding. The Fellowship salutes a Rotarian or a member of the community for exceptional service and who at the same time demonstrates the belief in the value of the Foundation ’s humanitarian and educational programs in helping to save and change lives around the world.

This year, three distinguished persons are to receive this honor: • Bruce Driska, Deputy Director of Planning, Conservation & Development (Past Rotary President); • Lara SantaMaria, Project Coordinator, The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project; • Ralph “Biff” Shaw, Rotary District Governor Other members receiving honors will be… • Ken Vaughn, Director of Human Resources for ChangeInc, for the annual Mort Briggs Award; • Eric Rodko, Executive Director of St. Luke’s Community Services, for the Middletown Rotarian of the Year Award

Also, we are pleased to be presenting the 2017 Middletown Rotary Club College Scholarships to the following students… • Nicole M. Ferguson, Portland High School • Julia M. Liseo, Cromwell High School • Meghan V. Long, Mercy High School (The Art & Edythe Director Family Fund).

In 1905, Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, met with three friends to discuss the idea of a businessmen’s club. This was regarded as the first Rotary meeting. Today Rotary clubs have been formed on six continents, and as a result the organization adopted the name Rotary International. Rotarians pool their resources and contribute their talents to help serve communities. The organization dedicates itself to the ideal expressed in our principal motto: Service Above Self. The Middletown Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at 12:15 at First & Last Restaurant in Middletown.