Fellow Rotarians,  I am privileged to share with you the words of thanks from our 2014-15 Rotary Honor Student Scholarship recipients.  Many seniors have scholarships presented to them at the awards night at the end of the school year and we acknowledge our recipients that night, too.  However, unlike the others, our students are honored at our meeting earlier in the school year with speeches of praise given by the nominating faculty and staff.  They also have the opportunity to list this honor and scholarship on their applications to colleges.  Because of all we do, our scholarship has special meaning for the students. Way to go, fellow Rotarians!  Read the words of thanks to see how we light up these kids lives!  Jennette
 
 
LILY DAVIS:  attending NAU after her Rotary Yearlong Exchange in Belgium
Thank you, Rotary Club of Sedona!  Thank you for the wonderful scholarship and every opportunity you have provided me with to grow.  I would not be the leader I am today if it was not for RYLA, my summer exchange and the exchange I will embark on this next year.  Thank you for EVERYTHING.  Lily Davis
 
KEVIN SCHWEISS:  attending College of William and Mary
Dear Rotary of Sedona, Thank you so much for the $500 scholarship. I greatly appreciate it.  I would also like to thank you for the incredible luncheon you provided for me and my family.  I am so honored to have been chosen as one of the Rotary Students of the Month.  I cannot thank you enough for what you have done.  Sincerely, Kevin Schweiss
 
CATHERINE CHAPMAN:  attending Pepperdine University
Dear Rotary Club of Sedona, Thank you so much for the memorable experiences you have granted me and the members of Interact Club this year.  I’d also like to thank you for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams of research and discovery at the university level.  Sincerely, Catherine Chapman
 
CRISTIAN VERGARA:  attending University of Arizona
Rotary Club of Sedona, Thank you for helping me pursue my dream of attending college.  Every little bit of help counts and you have giveen me an opportunity to change my life.  Thank you so much!  Cristian Vergara
 
LAUREN HOYER:  attending Yavapai College
Dear Jennette Bill and Rotary Club, I want to thank you so much for picking me for Student of the Month this year.  I could not be any more grateful that I have been honored with this scholarship.  You guys have helped me with my first year of college and I am so pleased that all my hard work paid off. I appreciate the work you did to carefully select one individual and I am happy it was me.  Thank you so much.  Sincerely, Lauren Hoyer
 
NATALIE GRANDAW (VVS):  attending Wheaton College
Dear Rotary Club Members, I wanted to thank you for honoring me with the rotary scholarship; I was surprised to receive this recognition, knowing there were many other amazing students from my class. Having been given this scholarship made me realize all the great things I have been able to do through my high school career, and remind me what a blessing it was to have gone to Verde Valley School for four years! The scholarship signified more than aid to pursue my college education, but it also gave me confidence knowing you are in support of my future endeavors. Now, I know I may have seemed determined to go to RIT for college, but I will be happily attending Wheaton College in Norton, MA. It came down to some tough decision making, and in the end I thought it would be better to go to a liberal arts college than one that could possibly limit me. My major will be in Psychology and I hope to make you all proud within the next few years with what I can accomplish! Once again, thank you for the rotary scholarship, I greatly appreciate not only receiving this, but also for your hope in my future success!
With much gratitude,
                     Natalie Grandaw