Rotary Rising Achievers Reception

I applied for the Rotary Rising Achiever and was awarded it, it's basically an award given to 2 students of each of the 9 schools in the county. It's representing the school and acknowledging you for your hardships and how you pursed something larger, a successful education. So the ceremony was on Sunday (04/19/09) at the Lake Mary Marriott and it was truly beautiful. Previous to the ceremony we had a professional photographer take head shots of each winner and those photos were blown to fit large posters that were at the ceremony. It was a delightful 3 course meal and I especially enjoyed the desert with the edible white chocolate piece with the Rotary International logo with the motto "Make Dreams Real". My mom was there, my grandmother took the place of Michael since he couldn't get the day off work and I was able to nominate my art teacher for the most influential teacher to impact my life so she was there as well.

After enjoying desert each winner was called up and a summary of their life and hardships were said and then they were given; it was told that the scholarship recipients would be announced afterwards. To my and everyones surprise we realized that as we took the stage to take our certificates an envelop accompanied it. Thankfully everyone was given a scholarship of $750, not just a few recipients. I thought that was amazing because no one was excluded, especially with the stories I was hearing I was wondering how they could choose. There were students who were orphans, one student's father (also his hero) committed suicide, a homeless student who strives to succeed, etc. I was in awe at the end. The teachers we nominated were also given a seasons 52 $50 giftcard.

I thought it was hilarious but of course since Michael couldn't go he was hoping it would happen, we got to take the large "posters" home as well as the centerpieces and chairs.

just kidding...

There was a live action for a once in a lifetime Daytona 500 package but it didn't sell as well as they had hoped and I sort of felt bad about that. Of course they are trying to get thousands out of whose wallet? The struggling single parents or the parents who open their hearts and wallets to helping other young people like orphans.

It was overall an amazing experience and it was nice to gather with such extraordinary people. I'm glad I was given the $750 check and I immediately put that in my checking account after we left, that brings my total savings (from my own pocket, I saved every dime of every check) $1,800. I should save about 2,000 something by the time I need to pay that towards my Ringling tuition. It's a small amount but it matters.