With the new school year almost upon us (hard to believe, I know), I’d like us to reflect upon a very special annual event, led by the Stratford Rotary Club – the awarding of scholarships to some of the often overlooked heroes in our community – high school seniors! We were honored to celebrate the accomplishments of six ‘25 graduates from Stratford Public Schools.
Not long after graduations were held, parents and siblings alike of our scholarship awardees joined the Stratford Rotarians (me included, as I am a Rotarian) for lunch at the Riverview Bistro on Ferry Blvd. Unfortunately, Amy Williams (Bunnell High School), one of our deserving awardees, could not attend the luncheon, though we honored her in spirit and called her name during the awards ceremony.
The scholarships were based on an ESSAY PROMPT: Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart from other candidates and best qualifies you for recognition by the Scholarship Committee. From a financial standpoint, share the impact a scholarship would have on your education and post-secondary aspirations.
Aldo Sosa Sanchez (Stratford High School), who is fluent in both English and Spanish, shared in his application to the Stratford Rotary, that, “Going to trade school is not just the smartest thing to do, it’s the correct decision for my future. By providing on the job training, faster and more affordable education, and instant placement in highly desired careers, trade school ensures that I will be properly prepared for long term success through the skills and stability that I will be able to obtain. Although college may be the dream for some my age, I know that a trade career will offer me lasting career fulfillment and financial security. It is truly my dream and it is something the younger me would be eager to endeavor.”
Within the department of Career & Technical Education (CTE) through the Board of Education, there are various pathways outlined for students receiving their secondary education to explore. It is incredibly clear how Aldo took advantage of this invaluable resource, which will help him live out his dream of pursuing a career as an automotive technician.
For the first time every student that was awarded a scholarship was a member of the school’s Interact Club. Interact Clubs are service clubs for young people aged 12-18, sponsored by Stratford Rotary. The name “Interact” itself combines “international” and “action,” highlighting their focus on service and action. Interact clubs are self-governing and self-supporting and based at both Stratford High School and Bunnell High School with the aim of developing leadership skills, personal integrity, and a sense of service. The entire Stratford Rotary Club were in awe of the recipients of this award from the start, when we read all of their applications.
As a member of the Stratford Rotary Club, I was impressed beyond measure with this year’s recipients. They were all articulate about their futures, and spoke thoughtfully on their time as students within Stratford Public Schools.
Zoe Bernard, reflecting in her application on her academic career and volunteerism, stated, “Benefiting your community and addressing societal issues through community service is a subject I’ve become very familiar with in the past 3 years. Also, as the school’s Student Representative for the Board of Education, I was able to make a positive change in Stratford’s educational community. My duty as the Student Representative for the Board of Education is to give monthly reports on my school. One month, the Board asked for improvements for the district. As someone who was always soft spoken, I didn’t know how I would speak to the Board on town issues. I wanted to highlight what the district was already doing well, while at the same give suggestions on improvements to be made.”
Congratulations to our graduating classes of Bunnell and Stratford High Schools – you all should be very proud of your accomplishments, and excited for your future.
Barbara Heimlich spent 35 years as Vice President of Program Management and Research for Paragon Development, an international consulting firm, where she was responsible for new product and business development. She is the Features Reporter for the Stratford Crier.
