On June 4, 2026, the Rotary Club of Belleville hosted its Second Annual Graduating Student Bursary Awards Luncheon at Capers Restaurant, recognizing five graduating students from area high schools for their exceptional volunteer service. Since the 1970s, the Rotary Club’s bursary program has recognized high school students who embody the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. For the second time in the program’s decades-long history, students were invited to attend the event, accompanied by a guest, to receive the “Service Above Self” Award – a $400 bursary and a framed certificate celebrating their contributions.
The luncheon was well attended by Rotarians, educators, families, and peers. The honourees were present to share their inspiring stories of dedication and service. Their volunteer work spans a wide range of causes, including toy drives, soup kitchens, organizing school events, backpack programs, Terry Fox Runs, student council participation, volunteering with The Belleville General Hospital and The Trenton Memorial Hospital, The Humane Society and The Special Olympics and more!
The five participating high schools were Centennial High School, Eastside Secondary School, Nicholson Catholic College, Quinte Christian High School and St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School. A graduating student from Albert College was also nominated for the “Service Above Self” Award, but this recipient will be named at the Albert College Convocation Ceremony later in June and a representative from The Rotary Club of Belleville will be presenting the “Service Above Self” Award at that time.
“When we celebrate young people for their accomplishments, big or small, we help build confidence, inspire future growth and show them that their contributions matter,” said Tracey Vandervoort, president of the Rotary Club of Belleville. “By recognizing their efforts today, we encourage them to believe in their potential for tomorrow.”
