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City Students Exemplify Rotary Ideal The E. Frank S. Sanders Service Above Self award has been presented to students in each of the city’s four secondary schools by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas since 2002. The award honours the service ethic of the Club’s Charter President, Frank Sanders. Frank’s daughter, Suzanne Ferguson, took part in presenting awards today to four very deserving students, each introduced by a proud teacher. It should be noted that this student Service Above Self award takes as its model an award which Rotary International itself presents to a select group of Rotarians each year to recognize their exemplary service. At its first international conference in 1910, Rotary adopted the motto, ―Service, Not Self,‖ which in 1950 became ―Service Above Self.‖ Also in 1950, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas was chartered. Frank Sanders was presented with Rotary International’s ―Service Above Self‖ award at the Rotary District 6330 conference in Port Huron, Michigan on May 6, 1995. The St. Thomas Times-Journal noted that ―the award is in recognition of Mr. Sanders’ distinguished service to others and for making service a way of life.‖ He was one of only 84 Rotarians within Rl’s membership of 1.2 million to receive the award that year. Another local newspaper, Our Community Press, quoted RI President Bill Huntley’s tribute to Frank: ―I believe you are an extraordinary example of what it means to be a friend. Thank you for living the ideals of Rotary. From wherever those ideals may come, they are alive and well in these honoured students whose stories you may read in the pages that follow.  | ARTHUR VOADEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
DEVIN FREEMAN
Introduced by Andrew Kesteloot
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It is indeed a privilege to present Arthur Voaden’s Secondary School’s recipient for the Service Above Self Award, Devin Freeman. Devin is a leader in our school and community and possesses the skills and qualities which make him an ideal candidate for this honour.
Devin is a solid student both inside the classroom and in extracurricular activities. As one of his teachers, I’ve been impressed by his tremendous work ethic in class. He is an active part of all of his classes, consistently participating and modeling positive behaviour for his peers to emulate. Outside of academics, he’s a school leader in activities. Devin has been a key member of several school teams including soccer, volleyball, football, hockey, and basketball and he’s won awards for his athletic contributions to the school. Additionally, Devin is a member of our school’s mentoring program called ―Project: Tandem‖ which helps all new students transition to our high school, supporting them socially and academically in their move to secondary school.
Outside of school, Devin has been involved in a number of activities in the community as well. He’s completed a number of volunteer hours for a local place of worship. Devin was also selected as a summer student for St. Thomas Police Service’s ―Youth in Policing Initiative‖ program. In this role, not only did he shadow the police force for the summer, but he also worked with local philanthropic groups. He served the local community working with charities like Animal Aide and the Salvation Army, and he also was a key facilitating member of the ―Kids and Cops Camp‖ which helped in-risk youth enjoy a summer camp experience. These activities show the compassion and dedication of this #stthomasproud student to his community and fellow citizens.
Participation in these activities alone, however, is only one part of the reasons Devin demonstrates the main tenants of ―Service Above Self‖. Devin brings measured, thoughtful leadership to the activities he’s involved in. In addition to working his hardest to make himself better, he also mentors and assists other team members and students in the activities he participates in. He does this with a jovial demeanor, welcoming, warm personality, and keen sense of humour. Our staff heavily relies on his ability and fervor. He is the ultimate friend to so many of his peers—everyone has something good to say about him. His friendliness and affability are two of his strongest qualities, and his leadership and example in this regard make AVSS a great place to be.
His involvement is even more impressive considering that Devin does all of this while maintaining a part time job, yet even more responsibility for him.
It has been a pleasure to see Devin grow from the grade 10 boy with the Justin Bieber haircut on the basketball team I was coaching, struggling to dribble and run at the same time, to the kind, hilarious, conscientious young man before me today. He leaves AVSS in June with the goal of becoming a police officer, and we are excited for his future.
We think all of this truly embodies the concept of "Service Above Self", and hence, why we are proud to have selected Devin Freeman as Arthur Voaden’s recipient of the Service Above Self Award.
 | CENTRAL ELGIN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
FRANCES SANTIAGO
Introduced by Sarah Osborne
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Before I talk about Central Elgin’s Award winner, I would personally like to thank the Rotary Club for continuing to recognize the outstanding service of some of the finest youth within the St. Thomas community of high schools.
When the teachers of Central Elgin were asked to select a student for this year’s Service Above Self Award, it was not in the least bit difficult to reach the conclusion we did. When I think about the term Service Above Self, I envision someone who wants to do right in this world, believes in the concept of giving back to community, and who does not look for recognition for their selfless commitment to others. Let it be known that I am delighted to be here today to speak about Central’s award winner, Frances Santiago, and her unwavering commitment to these principles.
Over the past four years, Frances has been engrossed in extracurricular activities and has been an integral part of shaping the fabric of what MAKES CECI. When help is needed at school, Frances is frequently the first to step up and offer her support. She has participated in our Wellness Council, which seeks to promote healthy lifestyles for youth; our Social Justice Committee which supports a variety of initiatives for those less fortunate than ourselves; our Eco Crew which promotes environmental awareness and is currently the President of our Students’ Council.
Frances has been involved in too many initiatives to mention. However, one interesting project she was involved in recently was something called the “Give a Shirt” campaign. As their company’s website states, “The primary objective of this is to spread a very important message – to create public awareness on our clothing footprint and our impact on the environment.” The interesting aspect of this project was that Frances was able to integrate her various school initiatives to create a successful campaign, one which resulted in a CECI donation of over 2 200 articles of clothing.
Many times I have witnessed Frances working late after school to ensure that students within our building have the best high school experience possible. It is her quiet, behind-the-scenes dedication that often goes unnoticed by her peers. And this is just one of her many attributes that I admire.
Besides her involvement at school, it is important for me to point out that she has also been involved with the community. She has volunteered at her parish, St. Anne’s, and has helped with Christmas dinners for the community and the St. Anne’s Fair.
One of Frances many talents is as an artist. She has found a way to take her love of art and use it to help the community. Frances has donated countless hours to the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre teaching art programs to youth and, more recently, became involved in a project with the Alzheimer’s Society, creating art with adults in the early stages of dementia.
It needs to be mentioned that Frances has achieved all of this while maintaining honours standing and holding a part time job. Where she gets her energy from escapes me.
I have truly enjoyed watching Frances blossom over her four years at CECI. She is one of the most genuine, compassionate, thoughtful students I have had the honour of teaching over my career. I know Frances will continue to put others before herself as she heads into the next chapter of her life.
Congratulations Frances, I am beyond proud of you.
 | PARKSIDE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
NICHOLAS CHABOT
Introduced by Amber Wadsworth
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Nicholas Chabot is the deserving recipient from Parkside for the Service Above Self Award.
Nick is a leader in both the school and community through his involvement in various initiatives that promote integrity and goodwill for others. He is a role model at Parkside, exceeding expectations in all classes and acts as the VP Internal for student council.
He started volunteering at a young age in elementary school by providing peer support, reading buddies, anti-bullying coalition and other avenues of supporting students and mental health. Currently, he is an active member of the Interact Club, acting as the current president. Much of his time is spent on fundraising and he has been an integral part in the following events: car wash, violence against women, hospital donations, INN out of the cold, teddy bear donation, window painting,road races and the home and garden show. As well, he is helping Pony Poopin’ BINGO to reach their goal of $4000.
Overall, Nicholas is a very well-rounded student and is most deserving of the Service Above Self Award.
 | ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
EMMA KEBBEL
Introduced by Greg Reynaert
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Hello Rotarians, parents, fellow speakers and recipients of this prestigious award, In my role as an educator, I have the wonderful pleasure of crossing paths everyday with many amazing, bright and creative students. Today, it is my honour to speak to you about one very thoughtful and talented young woman. Before I begin, I would like to thank the Rotary Club for allowing me to speak today on behalf of a very deserving recipient. I would also like to thank the Rotary Club and the Wayside for providing us with this wonderful lunch. The tenets of the Rotary Club include: - The call for people to work with integrity and contribute expertise to the needs of society.
- The call for all of us to find ways to improve the quality of life of people in our communities and to best serve the public interest.
- And finally, the call for the recognition of the importance of empowering the youth of our world today, through leadership.
I will start with the last tenet, first. Emma Kebbel truly is a leader. And she is a leader because of the amazing example that she demonstrates each and every day. She is an extremely bright, intelligent, selfless, thoughtful and outgoing student. She has one of, if the not the highest academic average in her grade and the school of St. Joseph’s. She currently sits with a 99% average in my Canadian History course. She has an amazing work ethic and is a very attentive, organized and confident young woman. Her "keen" interest in everything she does, does not go unrecognized by any of her peers or the staff at St. Joe’s. She does all of this, while also participating on not only one, but three athletic teams - Cross Country, Swimming and Track & Field respectively. To see her work ethic every day in class, sends, what I think is the greatest message and example of leadership and that is: through hard work and diligent effort, comes success. The 2nd Tenet of the Rotary Club calls for ways to improve the quality of life of people in our community. Not only does she apply herself academically and athletically, but she also volunteers countless hours of her time to the St. Joe’s community. Since its inception last fall, Emma has been an integral part of our school’s Mental Health and Wellness Club, which aims to make people aware of the issues of mental health in our society. Emma was part of a team of St. Joe’s students who created a video raising awareness for Mental Health issues in schools
across Canada, during Mental Health Week. She was also integral in a Jack.org presentation at our school. To say that she is doing her part to make people aware of this often overlooked issue in our society is an understatement. Finally, the 3rd Tenet of the Rotary Club asks for people to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the overall needs of society. Emma was selected by our staff to be the HOBY Representative for our school. Being one of the judges on that committee, I was able to see firsthand Emma’s amazing ability to write and inspire others. I will read to you a small excerpt from that essay; "People need to learn and grow, not only by those who lead them, but by those who care for them as well. By teaching new skills, by being more innovative and seeking more opportunities for improvement, we can give others the tools to succeed, while at the same time pushing them to take more risks and, finally, to contribute to the overall growth of Canada and all Canadians."
As a judge on that committee, when I read that, it actually had a profound effect on me. Something about what I read, resonated with me. I never told Emma this, but after reading it, I challenged myself as teacher to think and utilize new ways to teach "skills" to students, so that we as educators can properly prepare students for the future that lies ahead for them and for us. Many people recognize the effort that Emma puts into everything that she does and recently, she also was chosen to be one of our school’s representatives at the YWCA "Women of Excellence" Gala Dinner. Finally, most people don’t know this, but Emma travels every day from Aylmer by bus to attend school in St. Thomas. And she does all this while working at the Aylmer Swimming Pool as a Lifeguard and helping out at her father's business. It gives me great pride to speak on Emma’s behalf today. And more importantly, I know that our school and the students at St. Joe’s are blessed to have her as a member of our community. I look forward to the amazing things that I know she will do in the future. Thank you. KEEPING ON THE SUNNY SIDE….President Nancy welcomed students, students’ family members and teachers, and Catherine Janssen, wife of Gerry as guests today. Next week (May 22, Victoria Day) there is no meeting, but on May 29, Serge Lavoie will be on hand to speak about the new elevated park in St. Thomas. June 5 will be a Club Assembly and the induction of new member, Edie Delanghe, followed by a Board Meeting….The District Conference (May 26-28) is drawing ever nearer. To register, be sure to visit the District’s website ( www.rotary6330.org). There is no registration fee but you do need to pay for meals. Malcolm Rust showed the ―Brag Board‖ that will be displayed at the Conference. Mounted onto poster board (by Trish Shouldice) are photos of seven unique Club activities: the student Service Above Self Awards; the Tour of Homes; Happy Fins; World Polio Day; the Club’s contribution to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital; and the Music Festival….Pat Martyn was winner of the 50/50 draw. Fine Master Paul Blower read the letter by Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kalyan Banerjee found in the May 2017 issue of The Rotarian: "[H]ow much better the world is because The Rotary Foundation exists." HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation – Annual Programs Fund – credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwen Lowe, a member of the club. Pat Baker (1) – For a happy Mother’s Day.
Stew Shouldice (1) – To recognize the achievements of the four students honoured today.
Trish Shouldice (1) -- To recognize the students and their parents and the Club’s involvement in the student Service Above Self project.
Paul Blower (1) – To recognize the four students honoured today.
Catherine Janssen (1) – To recognize what the teachers and parents have contributed to the success of these outstanding students.
Ron Somerville (2) – For the students winning awards today; for the work of the awards chair.
Nick Chabot (2) – Happy to have family members and his teacher here today.
Trudy Kanellis (4) – Glad Mother’s Day is over (975 meals served!); glad that Pony Poopin’ Bingo is over; nice to see Interactor Nick Chabot receive an award today; for the awards chair.
Malcolm Rust (1) – To honour Trudy who makes things happen with the Interact Club.
Nancy Lovelock (3) – For the remarkable achievement of the students honoured today; for the awards chair; for the lovely sunshine on Mother’s Day.
Pat Martyn (5) – For the students receiving awards today; for the awards chair; for arriving in time from Toronto this morning for today’s meeting; for a nice Mother’s Day; for winning the 50/50. Monday, May 22 – No Meeting (Victoria Day)
Monday, May 29 – Serge Lavoie, Elevated Park
At the Wayside 12:15 p.m. | | ASAA | Greeter | Fine Master | Monday, May 22 | No Meeting (Victoria Day) | Monday, May 29 | Dave Moffatt | Ron Somerville | Bill Horn | Monday, June 5 | Ron Somerville | Dave Rock | Stew Shouldice | Monday, June 12 | Stew Shouldice | Bill Horn | Adriana Balderas |
Photos: Trudy Kanellis
PEB
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