The Rotary Club of Emporia is committed to giving both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College gifts of $10,000 payable over the next five years, benefitting students at the two institutions.
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the two recipients of the 2016-17 Rotary Club of Emporia Scholarships — Joseph Lane from Emporia State and Tricia Tucker of Flint Hills Technical College — were honored at the weekly Rotary Club of Emporia meeting held every Tuesday morning.
Teresa Maley, past president of the Rotary Club of Emporia, discussed why they believe it is critical to give scholarships to Emporia State and Flint Hills Technical College.
“Our Rotary club has committed to giving scholarships to Emporia State and Flint Hills Technical College because we see the importance of education,” Maley said. “We are a club that wants to support our community and the students who come to Emporia. Also, we want them to know how much we appreciate, support and encourage them.”
The Rotary Club of Emporia is one of over 35,000 Rotary clubs internationally who work together to take action on the world’s most persistent issues. One of those actions is to support education, an action the Rotary Club of Emporia has faithfully pursued in the past.
“Our Rotary club wants to help people in many different ways, and this is one of our favorite projects,” said Maley.
Through their gifts to Emporia State and Flint Hills Technical College, the Rotary Club of Emporia’s long-standing commitment towards supporting the Emporia community has eased the financial burden of many students over the years, including Lane.
“Thanks to the Rotary Club of Emporia, I have been able to focus completely on my academic career instead of having to worry about making enough money to pay for tuition or worrying about being able to pay off student loans after college,” said Lane. “I am incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Emporia for awarding me with this scholarship. Your kindness will go a long way in helping me to further my education.”
Becoming a Rotary Club of Emporia Scholarship recipient has given Tucker, who has future goals of becoming a graphic designer with a special interest in digital printing, the opportunity to chase her dreams.
“I’m very appreciative of the scholarship I received,” said Tucker. “It allows me to further my education and I look forward to the career opportunities that I’ll have once I finish my education at FHTC.”