St. Albans, Vermont- The St. Albans Rotary Club is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s first annual Community Service Award Scholarships. The awards were presented to two outstanding seniors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service in and around Franklin County. These scholarships are a testament to the Rotary’s dedication to supporting local youth in their academic pursuits and community contributions.
The 2024 Scholarship recipients are Keira Underwood from Georgia (Rice Memorial High School) and Penelope Noza from St. Albans (Bellows Free Academy).
Keira has volunteered for several organizations and initiatives. She spent time volunteering at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Burlington; two years with the Book Buddies after-school program through the King Street Center (KSC), Dairy One organization at Franklin County Field Days and the Enosburg Dairy Days, the Georgia Lions Club during their Fall Festivals and VT Maple Festival and with the St. Albans Rotary Club during the Tractor Parade and the St. Albans Maple Festival. She has performed concerts with her high school choir for St. Joseph’s Nursing Home; volunteered with the VT Children’s Trust Foundation, Totus Tuus, the Vermont Flower Show, and the VT Maple House at the Champlain Valley Exposition. As President of her high schools Neuroscience club, she was selected to complete a two-year voluntary media outreach internship with the Vermont Brain Bee (VBB) program. Her interest and knowledge of Neuroscience was shared with VT high schools to encourage their participation in the VBB state competition, raising the number of schools from eight to thirteen this year. She organized youth Neuroscience community activities, encouraged, and guided four local high schools to establish their own after-school Neuroscience clubs, and helped to organize the VBB state competition hosted by the University of Vermont. Keira was also very active in various clubs, sports, and leadership roles.
Penelope combined her passion for drama tech and helping others by volunteering through the school. As a Northwest Career and Technical Center Senior Ambassador and sole Engineering Representative this year, helping middle schoolers during outreach events. She assisted with middle schoolers at the Fairfield Library, teaching them how to code and build circuits. As a Stage Manager, she was responsible for a multitude of school events, such as dance shows, drama performances, band, chorus, and orchestra concerts. She participated in Poetry Out Loud and was a member of the Bobwhite Comets. She also volunteered her skills for community events with the Electric Youth shows, the Maple Festival talent show, and more. Penelope volunteers at the St. Albans Free Library during their summer programs, and at her church for various activities. She also has spent much time supporting her family.
Each recipient has shown exemplary dedication to improving our community through their selfless actions and leadership. Their efforts embody the spirit of Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
The St. Albans Rotary Club’s scholarship program will continue to empower and recognize Franklin County Seniors yearly who make a positive impact in our community. Through these scholarships, we aim to support educational journeys and encourage continued commitment to service.
We congratulate Penelope and Keira for their outstanding achievements and thank all applicants for their dedication to community service. Their passions inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow.
For more information about the St. Albans Rotary Club and its initiatives, visit their website at www.stalbansrotaryclub.com or connect on Facebook, Rotary Club of St. Albans, Vermont.
