Rotary Club Hands Out Scholarships

HARRISONBURG — Giving back comes naturally for Zack Noftsinger.

The 18-year-old Spotswood High School senior earned the rank of Eagle Scout for helping Hope Distributed, a local nonprofit that provides food, clothing and furniture to those in financial need.

He helped with a food drive and landscaping and installed gutters at its facility on Boyers Road.

"I'm always putting others ahead of me in the name of love," said Noftsinger, the son of Cindy and the late John Noftsinger. "I have a compassion for my community."

For his efforts, he received a $5,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg. He plans to attend James Madison University in the fall, majoring in business and public administration.

He was among eight students from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to receive scholarships during the club's meeting Monday at the Elks Lodge in Harrisonburg.

In second place, Ninoska Bertran, 18, a senior at Harrisonburg High School, received $3,500.

"With an unparalleled love for humanity, Ninoska is constantly working to serve the underprivileged," said Tom Mendez, her Rotary mentor.

Bertran plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to pursue a career in international business or marketing

Finishing third and receiving $2,500 was Peter Miller, an 18-year-old senior at Broadway High School.

In a letter of recommendation, one of Miller's teachers wrote: "Peter makes his classmates feel valued and pushes them to think differently and work hard. As a result, it is obvious that his classmates hold him in high esteem."

Miller, the son of Tom and Barbara Miller, plans to attend Christopher Newport University as a premedicine student with a major in biology.

This year, the club awarded $16,500 in scholarships, with each student receiving at least $1,100.

Over the last 30 years, the Rotary has handed out more than $200,000 in scholarships, which are given to those who excel in community service.

This year, the civic group received 23 applications.

Those selected had more than 20,900 combined hours of community service throughout their high school careers.

"We believe these students will certainly continue to serve wherever their paths take them," said Courtney Teague, co-chairwoman of the club's scholarship committee.

Source: Rotary Club Hands Out Scholarships