Peabody Rotary Scholarship Applications Available

PEABODY ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE

Peabody Rotary is once again offering multiple scholarships for Peabody residents who are now high school seniors and planning to go on to further their education upon graduation.

There will be several $1,000 scholarships awarded to students who exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Applicants must demonstrate that they reach out to others through community service, either locally, regionally or internationally.

There will also be one $2,000 Sam Berns scholarship awarded to a student who, in addition to demonstrating community service activities, also must describe what personal obstacles have been overcome. The Sam Berns scholarship was created in 2014, in honor of a young man who exemplified courage and integrity in the face of the challenges of Progeria, and whose "can do" attitude and positive outlook on life have inspired millions to live life to its fullest. Sam, who

passed away in January 2014 at the age of 17, was the inspiration behind the creation of the Peabody-based Progeria Research Foundation, whose mission is to find a cure for Progeria. Progeria is a rare, rapid aging disease that afflicts children, who die of heart disease at an average age of 14 years.

Application packages can be found at www.rotarypeabdoy.org. Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2017. For additional information see the website or contact either Cathy Gravel, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, at Cathyg@Gravoc.com, or Audrey Gordon, Chair of the Sam Berns Scholarship Committee, at agordon@progeriaresearch.org.

Funds for these scholarships are raised through many activities, including the annual Taste of the North Shore (on March 21^st this year) and the Torigian Golf Classic, a joint venture with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce. Peabody Rotary meets at 7:30 on Thursday mornings at Red’s Kitchen and Tavern. For membership information, contact Membership Chair Martha Holden at holden@noblenet.org.