The Rotary Club of Newton awards six scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors through the Newton Rotary Foundation. Teachers and guidance counselors nominate students, and a team of school personnel and club members interview the candidates and select the final recipients.
Career and Technical Education Scholarships
The Newton Public Schools Career & Technical Education Program is housed at Newton North and attended by students from both high schools. It includes courses in the fields of Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Design & Visual Communications, Drafting, Early Education & Care, Graphic Communications, and TV Media Arts. Newton Rotary awards three scholarships to students who have excelled in the program at its Scholarship Luncheon each June:
- The Martinson Bell & Flag Award is given in honor of Bert Martinson, a long-time Rotary member until his death in 2017 at 104 years old. He was believed to be the oldest living Rotarian at the time of his passing.
- The William Rockwell Memorial Award is given in honor of Bill Rockwell, a long time, dedicated, and much-beloved member of the Rotary Club of Newton. Bill was a get-you-hands-dirty kind of guy dedicated to the technical arts program and the students who won the Tech Scholarships.
- The President’s Award is given in honor of the person who is currently President of the Rotary Club of Newton. Currently, Ron Faccenda is the president and will continue in that role until June 2021.
Anthony J. Bibbo Scholarships
Newton Rotary also awards three scholarships for college-bound seniors in honor of long-time Rotarian Tony Bibbo. Tony was an active and influential member of the club and was dearly loved by its members, the greater Newton community, and Rotarians around the region.
One scholarship goes to a graduating senior from Newton South, another to a Metco student, and the third to a Newton South senior. These scholarships are awarded in May at the Mayor’s Community Breakfast.
Your Support is Vital
My personal Boston Marathon fundraising goal is to fully fund these scholarships this year and provide starter funds for next year’s scholarships. This will enable general Rotary fundraising to support other vital programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Program, the Community Grants Program, summer camperships, the Newton Summer Reading Program, and the Rotary emergency fund for families in crisis. Please donate. Any amount is appreciated. — Jack
The Newton Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundations EIN is 04-3581396.