The Rotary Club of Hoboken awarded its annual scholarship grants to three local students during its weekly lunch meeting at the Brass Rail restaurant on Tuesday.
Cheyanne Montalvo of Hoboken Charter School, Djivan Schapira of the Hudson School and Samantha Scios of Hoboken High School each received $5,000 towards their college education expenses.
Current Rotary president Christopher Mackin opened the meeting by explaining club's goal to promote public service, high ethical standards, enrichment in each member's own personal, business and community life and greater international understanding. The Hoboken chapter of Rotary International is currently celebrating its 90th year.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rotary education committee chair Dr. Kathia Roberts then spoke and explained the selection process, which included candidate interviews with the education committee.
Roberts addressed the winners as a group before introducing each of the them individually.
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“We believe in inspiring youth to be committed, and we want to keep you inspired,” she said. “It doesn't stop here.”
The scholarship winners each made brief remarks thanking the Rotary club.
Schapira said he volunteers often at the Hoboken Shelter. Montalvo has served as vice president of the youth-oriented Hoboken Interact Rotary Club.
Scios, who will attend Penn State to study veterinary medicine, said she felt inspired towards community service at an early age. She has gone on to participate in charities such as the Adopt-a-Soldier program.
“Since I was young helping others has been a huge part of my life,” she said.
She also expressed kinship with her Rotarian elders.
“It's nice to know there are others like me who want to make a difference,” Scios said.
