The Rotary Club of Danville has awarded four, $1,000 scholarships to San Ramon Valley High School seniors who have provided exemplary community service and vocational service.
Recipients chosen from a field of 17 finalists include: Taylor Cuenin, Isabel Gervis, Regan Leach and Sophie Zhang.
The Rotary Club of Danville annually awards scholarships to students who pursue vocational service activities related to future occupations as well as community service activities that benefit the local community. “This year’s scholarship recipients are exceptionally accomplished scholars and community service-minded role models who personify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” said Danville Rotary President Steve Simpkins.
The four scholarships were awarded in memory of past Rotary Club of Danville leaders who exemplify dedication to community and service including: Graham Sullivan, Cliff Forsyth, John Roberts and Joe Hirsh.
Taylor Cuenin
San Ramon High School Associated Student Body President and scholarship recipient Taylor Cuenin has led activities to better her school, class and community. She has been
involved in food drives and hosted international children visiting the community and is an active participant in Our Little Brothers and Sisters, an international organization that provides education and healthcare to abandoned children. One of her favorite activities is participating in Lend-A-Hand Day, helping homeowners who cannot maintain their yards. She was awarded the Graham Sullivan Memorial Award.
Isabel Gervis
Isabel Gervis’ vocational goal is to become a bioengineer. She is president of Science Alliance, a club which pairs 5th grade “buddies” with high school “mentors” to complete Science Fair projects and foster interest in sciences. Gervis is also a senior Girl Scout camp counselor devoted to teaching girls outdoor cooking and athletic skills. She received the Joe Hirsch Memorial Award.
Regan Leach
As president of the San Ramon Valley High School Interact Club, a junior Rotary Club
organization for students, Regan Leach led a food drive for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, helped senior citizens and hospitalized children and raised funds for the Taylor Family Foundation, a non-profit that sends children in need to camp. She received the John Roberts Memorial Award.
Sophie Zhang
Sophie Zhang has volunteered at John Muir Medical Center where she assists patients. She has also participated in service projects for the Youth Action Council which serves the Special Olympics and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society among other service organizations. She recently volunteered as a teaching assistant for
Breakthrough Oakland which is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for middle school-aged students. She received the Cliff Forsyth Memorial Award.
“We had a difficult job selecting only four winners,” said Simpkins. “Those selected represent an impressive group of service minded young people from our community that reflect the goals of the Rotary Club of Danville and the memories of past Rotarians who exemplify true dedication to helping others.”
