Clinton Rotary's First Double Student of the Month Award

Clinton Rotary Club has been celebrating students from The Morgan School embracing Rotary's motto: "Service Above Self" for six years.

Along with a new member transferred from Chester Rotary Club, came an idea of extending our boundaries to Haddam-Killingworth High School.

Annie Stirna, a Killingworth resident, transferred to Clinton Rotary from the Chester Rotary Club because the commute to their meeting site was too far and the commute to the Clinton Rotary meeting site was much better for her. The towns of Haddam and Killingworth were without a Rotary club.

After witnessing her first Clinton Rotary's Morgan School Student of the Month Award Dinner, Annie suggested that our club establish the same program at the Haddam-Killingworth High School. She did some investigating and talking to school officials.  She will now join Clinton Rotary's Student of the Month Chair Marcia Bird in this monthly celebration of a high school student.

So, here we are at Clinton Rotary Club's first DOUBLE HIGH SCHOOL Student of the Month Award Presentation at the Clinton Country Club...

On this last Thursday of February, Marcia Bird, Clinton Rotary's Student of the Month Co-Chair, congratulated Morgan School Junior Erika Renkl, for being chosen Student of the Month of February. Her nominating teacher, French teacher Jean Sunny was present for the celebration. Also there were Erika's mom, Cheryl Renkl, her dad Jeffrey Renkl and her sister Allison Renkl.

Marcia asked Jean Sunny why she nominated Erika Renkl for Student of the Month, she replied "She is conscientious, she shows strong leadership skills and exhibits high integrity." Ms. Sunny explained Erika's "leadership skills." "Erika takes charge when a job has to be done. She is conscientious and she is a genuine, honest young lady. Not only is Erika receiving this award tonight, but she also was just inducted into the French Honor Society."

Also on this last Thursday of February, Annie Stirna, Clinton Rotary's Student of the Month Co-Chair, congratulated Haddam-Killingworth High School Junior Zachariah Carmichael for being chosen Student of the Month of February. His school counselor and nominating teacher Kaitlin Sullivan-Freimuth was there for his award as were his dad Paul Carmichael and his mom Rebecca Lowe.

Annie asked Kaitlin Sullivan-Feimuth: Out of all the students at H-K High School, what made her choose Zachariah Carmichael for Student of the Month. Kaitlin replied, "Zach is a very mature young man, who appears to be wise beyond his years. He is quiet and unassuming. Zach is the total package: outstanding academic performance, involvement in a wide variety of co-curricular activities and a devotion to helping others. He is also a member of our Varsity Math League."

Clinton Rotary Club is proud and honored to congratulate both Erika Renkl and Zachariah Carmichael for exhibiting "Service Above Self" in their daily lives and for receiving this Outstanding Award.