Sandusky Rotary recognizes 7 scholars

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Rotary Club recently awarded seven local students with scholarship dollars. In total, the Rotary's charitable foundation distributed $14,000 to students from four local districts: Sandusky, Margaretta, Perkins and Sandusky Central Catholic School. Each of the seven students received a $2,000 scholarship that will reduce the cost of college. This was the most scholarships awarded in a single year in the program's history, according to the rotary club. This year's scholarship recipients are: • Taliyah Farris, of Sandusky High School • Samuel Milas, of Sandusky High School • Lillian Scott, of Margaretta High School • Brian Serna, of Sandusky Central Catholic School • Bren Smith, of Margaretta High School • Hunter Straub, of Sandusky High School • Blake Witter, of Perkins High School Each applicant was evaluated on criteria reflecting the organization's spirit of service above self. The five categories: financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activity, work experience and community service. Each finalist was then sent to an in-person interview at the Sandusky Library where committee members tested their communication skills, critical thinking and motivation to succeed after high school. Bio blast Sandusky Rotary Club is a local chapter founded in 1919 of Rotary International, a global network of community leaders devoted to its motto, service above self. The Sandusky Rotary Charitable Foundation, the organization's nonprofit, supports education and community initiatives in the area. More information is available on the organization's website, sanduskyrotary.org.