Rotary Club of Branchburg supports the youth of our community through their student award and scholarship programs. The Rotary Citizen of the Future Award started as a Student of the month program in 1995 under the direction of Rotarian Dr. Julie Juliano. It started as an English essay assignment with a vocational twist. Over the years in partnership with the Branchburg Middle school it has become a quarterly award, “Focus on the future,” as students research a career of their interest and make predictions about what their life will be like 20 years from now. The new name of the award is “Rotary Citizen of the Future Award,” The presentation reflects the student’s goals for the future and the steps necessary to achieve their goals and how he or she will serve the community.
The first award winner was Carly Becker, her future goal is to become a Criminal Lawyer. Carly said, “I like to use my interrogation, and debate skills, which you would need for any type of Lawyer. I decided to study criminology because it seems challenging and intriguing.” Her teachers said, “She is a pleasure to have in class due to her positive energy and strong work ethic.” Carly is on the Honor Roll, The Principal's List and has been named Soccer Player of the Week.
Our second quarter “Rotary Citizen of the Future,” winner was Jaanya Patel. Jaanya’s future goal is to become a Criminal Investigator. Jaanya did an excellent presentation to a packed audience of Rotarians and schoolteachers and administrators. She is a member of the Student Council, a role she hopes to continue to high school. Her teachers said, “She is hard working student and overall role model for her peers.” She is also a Girl Scout, has served her community through not only Student Council but also with donations to those in need and has even helped to clean up our parks. In her spare time, she loves to dance.
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Rotary President, Maria Donagan awarded the students a Rotary Citizen of the Future Certificate and a special Rotary coin that reminds Rotarians to live their lives by the Rotary 4 Way test: “Of the things we think, say, and do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotarians collaborated very closely with principal Matt Barbosa, guidance counselor Jenn Nelson, and Focus on the future coordinator at the school Wendy Michels, Media specialist. These are truly people that exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”
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In addition to the Rotary Citizen of the Future Award, the Rotary Club of Branchburg awards scholarships to seniors, college students and Veterans. In addition, they serve as mentors for the college branch of Rotary called Rotaract Club which is located at RVCC.
If you would like more information about the Rotary Citizen of the Future award or Rotary’s many community service programs or for information on how to join the Rotary Club of Branchburg contact Dr. Julie Juliano at 908-685-8080 or visit the Rotary Club of Branchburg Facebook page. Rotarians meet every Wednesday morning at 7:30 am at Stoney Brook Grille in Branchburg, stop in and find out about Rotary Club of Branchburg
