By setting up an endowment fund with the Foundation, then Rotary President Dave Dunsworth ensured that Swan City Rotary would provide local youth with a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding on which they could depend.
This fund provides awards to Peace Country residents who demonstrate commitment to community, and service above self. Since its beginnings The Swan City Rotary Club Service above Self Award has provided multiple deserving students with funds to help assist them with their education.
Joren Manz was one of those students back in 2015. An accomplished varsity athlete, musician and honours student Joren still finds time to go above and beyond to make a difference in the world. In 2015 he spent eight months living and working as a volunteer medical assistant in the Philippines and Kenya. During his time in these areas he devoted himself to working alongside other passionate individuals to assist those without access to medical and dental support.
Katelyn De Boer was also a recipient of the Swan City Rotary Service Above Self Award. “As a current Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education student at the University of Lethbridge, I am extremely fortunate to have received awards from the Swan City Rotary Club Fund at the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta,” she says. “These awards have helped me take full advantage of the university experience by allowing me to focus less on paying for school and more on studying, volunteering with Rotaract, taking on club leadership roles, and even spending a semester abroad! University has been an incredible experience for me and I am so grateful for help in reaching my educational goals.”
The Swan City Rotary Service Above Self fund is one of 24 student award endowment funds through which the Community Foundation is able to support local students in achieving their educational goals.
“Investing in our students is simply an investment in the future of our community, there is no greater investment we can make,” says student award selection committee member Steven Hinkley. “Our students will become our leaders, community builders, and our legacy. It is my privilege to be part of ensuring our community recognizes these very special people.”
By partnering with the Community Foundation’s Student Awards Program individuals and groups such as the Swan City Rotary Club are ensuring that each year we are able to not only recognize, but also celebrate the hard work and achievements of our local youth.
