Five recent Moline High School graduates are beginning the next phase of their education this month with assistance from the Moline Rotary Club scholarship grants.
More than $15,000 in Moline Rotary Scholarship Foundation awards were given to the Moline students now college bound. Baylie Farmer, University of Illinois; Jolie Martinez, Drake University; and Sidney Schlitz, Augustana College earned respective awards of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 by exemplifying the Rotary International mantra of “Service Above Self.”
In addition, recent Moline graduates Carlin Rosas and Liliana Blanford will attend Black Hawk College tuition-free through the benefit of STRIVE scholarships, presented by the Moline Rotary in partnership with BHC.
Through STRIVE, the Moline Rotary annually provides a year of tuition and books to two students, with Black Hawk College providing a matching award.
Since 1996, the two Moline Rotary Club member-funded scholarship programs have awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarship assistance to students living within Moline’s borders.
Here’s a look at the 2024 Rotary winners:
Baylie Farmer
“It is so helpful,” said Ms. Farmer, who will major in teacher education with a special education emphasis. “College gets more and more expensive. To have a little help going into it, knowing I won’t have as much of a financial burden, is great.”
Her passion for special education was inspired by a younger brother with Down’s Syndrome. “He’s my favorite person in the world and I think it would be so cool to be able to teach and help people just like him,” she said.
Ms. Farmer was selected for this year’s top award from among a strong field of applicants who carried a 3.0 or better grade-point average; participated in two or more volunteer activities in school, church and/or the community; and submitted essays explaining what “Service Above Self” means to them.
Jolie Martinez
Ms. Martinez, who will major in psychology at Drake, said “I have always been fascinated by how psychology worked, as a kid with my own experience, and I feel like I can make a difference.”
Sidney Schlitz
Ms. Schlitz is considering a marketing and business administration major, but this year’s MHS National Chorale Award winner also will continue a lifelong passion at Augustana with a minor in theatre and vocal performance.
“I know for sure I’m going to continue volunteering at Music Guild as much as I possibly can,” she said. “It is one of my favorite places to volunteer.”
In addition to their other MHS volunteer involvements, all three Moline Rotary Scholarship Foundation winners participated in the high school’s Interact Club, a Rotary International-sanctioned, youth-oriented extension of the Rotary commitment to volunteerism and community service.
“Growing the next generation of community servants is among the most important things we do as Rotarians,” J.C. Millman, the Moline Rotary director of youth services, said in a news release. “Helping young people like Baylie, Jolie, Sidney, Carlin, and Liliana take the next steps in their development, and doing so with a demonstrated understanding of the true meaning of ‘Service Above Self,’ is rewarding and gratifying for every member of our organization.”
