The Rotary Club of Retford made awards of £400.00 to six local students at a ceremony at Ye Olde Bell on Monday 8th January. May Laws, the widow of Founder Member Percy Laws, left a bequest in her will to the Rotary Club, to be used for the benefit of the local community. Every year, the club uses money from this fund to award students from the three local secondary schools.
President of Retford Rotary, Geraldine Matthews, presented the cheques to students nominated, not only for their fine academic achievements but also for having shown positive attitudes, hard work and making contributions to the community and school life.
This year’s nominees showed these characteristics in many positive ways. Some had battled personal difficulties, others worked within the schools to promote understanding of contemporary issues with their peers, and some had excelled at their A level exams and won places at universities against fierce competition.
The students were asked to say a few words about themselves and club members learnt of the hard work and breadth of contribution each had made.
President Geraldine also added: “The club is delighted to support these excellent students who have achieved many things in different ways. The students can use the award to support their ongoing development. It was interesting to hear the money will be used for driving lessons, accommodation whilst studying abroad and books. We are grateful to the Retford Oaks Academy, Elizabethan Academy and the Tuxford Academy for nominating such deserving students.”