The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2026 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classesof 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools.The Rotary Club of Welland has offered some form of Rotary Bursary since 1950, with more regular recipients beginning in 1963 – 63 years ago! Two students from each of the 7 secondary schools graduating classes in Welland and Port Colborne are selected by their peers and guidance office.
These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self” as well as following the Four Way Test: “Of all the things we think say or do: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? They have made worthy contributions to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.
This year’s recipients are Jimin Kim and Kyle Eaves (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Katherine Kelder and Aaden Anderson (Eastdale Secondary School); Chloe Filion and Ludgi Sylvain (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Amour Samanga and Emmanuel Allah (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Lilly Greenan and Logan Seymour (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Favour Kareem and Jose Palma Alfaro (Notre Dame College School); and Lauren Bodner and Porter Burella (Port Colborne High School).
The Rotary Club of Welland, in recognition of their integrity, selflessness and worthy contribution to the life of your school with the unwavering commitment to the needs of others, provides a certificate, along with a Gold Medallion and small bursary, which were presented to the recipients as part of their graduating program. Each school also has a permanent plaque indicating the recipients over the years.
At the Rotary Meeting on June 9th, we had the pleasure of meeting these remarkable young people in person. They were asked to present a summary of the accomplishments, participation, and contribution; however, not of themselves, but of their fellow classmate. Repeatedly. they talked about dedication and involvement in not only school life, but community volunteerism. All recipients were driven to participate in many scholastic and athletic activities, mentoring younger students, and participating in the school’s leadership.