During the Grand Island High School Class Day program on June 3^rd, The Rotary Club of Grand Island honored 10 members of the Class of 2022 for their "Service above Self". The top two recipients were honored with $1000 scholarships. When evaluating individuals for recognition the committee looked for students that embodied the Rotary service motto. These students were not only academic achievers, but are involved in community and school service, representing what Rotarians aspire to do. 

Scholarship winners:

Renee DiLaura, During her years at GIHS, Renee was a Student Athlete, Class Council Officer and a member of the music and art departments. She was an Interact Member where she participated in organizing food drives, highway clean up, Salvation Army bell ringing and was dedicated to helping out at the ASHA Animal Sanctuary. In addition, Renee volunteered in summer programs that provide activities, safety instruction and meals to elementary age children. She also helped with her church Vacation Bible School, and soccer/swim camp at Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center.

Renee intends to continue incorporating service and volunteer work into her life. In college, with plans to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Science Education and later a Masters Degree, she will continue to engage in service, and to encourage interest in students for fulfilling the same desire.

Sophia Terlecky, daughter of Peter and Traci Terlecky. Sophia Terlecky has served as Grand Island’s Interact Club as president for the past 2 years. Sophia also was Grand Island’s Student Council and Class President. She was instrumental in running a school-wide canned food drive that supported the “Hearts for the Homeless” charity. Previous to these past two years, Sophia volunteered through Young Life with Summer Servants, Women of the Night, Hearts for the Homeless, and Soles for Souls. As part of Interact, she became President and with her club members gave back to organizations such as the SPCA and the V.A. Hospital, as well as community events such as Rotary Highway Cleanup and the annual “Undie Sunday” collection. 

After graduation, Sophia plans to pursue her college education at Syracuse University with a 3-year Army ROTC scholarship while majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Sports Management. She has chosen this path due to my ambitions and interests involving being a leader within society as well as her respect and eagerness to serve in the U.S. Army as an officer. 

The other eight Graduating Seniors honored as Service Above Self Awardees were: Angelo Aiello, Bethany Kulikowski, Natalie Carter, Sean Graham, Megan Lavis, Noelle Linenfelser, Carolyn Reynolds, and Jonathon Minton, all of whose academic and community service were outstanding. All showed service and leadership in school, church, and community volunteer groups while maintaining well-above-average scholastic standing.