Scholarships, Service & Global Impact
Honoring outstanding 2026 scholarship recipients
Club approves funding for 6 RYLA students
Learning about the EdCaminos mission in Mexico
York Rotary Recap – May 8, 2026
The meeting was called to order by Darcy with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Six -Way Test. Members then shared a lively round of “Kindness Dollars,” celebrating scholarship recipients, college students returning home for the summer, hummingbirds returning to Maine, and gratitude for the successful Cinco de Mayo gathering held at Darcy’s beautiful home this past week.
A special highlight of the morning was recognition of this year’s York Rotary scholarship recipients. Scholarship Committee Chair Dinon shared that the committee reviewed 34 applications this year, making the selection process especially difficult. Applicants were evaluated on academics, financial need, and most importantly, their commitment to service above self.
The club welcomed scholarship recipient Maxwell Zuckerman, who was recognized for his extensive involvement both in and out of school, including weekly volunteer service at First Parish Church community dinners and participation in food drives and the National Honor Society. Maxwell shared that he plans to attend Northeastern University to study public health and hopes to make a positive difference in the world through service to others.
Also recognized was scholarship recipient Isabella "Bella" Parrotta, who has served as the secretary of the Eco Club and president of the Interact Club. Bella helped organize fundraising efforts at high school basketball games and volunteered weekly at York Hospital, an experience that inspired her to pursue nursing. She will attend Emmanuel College, where she also plans to play volleyball.
Members were reminded that next week’s meeting will not be held at CAL due to their Spring Fair. Instead, the club will gather at Norma's Restaurant at 7:30 a.m., where three breakfast options will be available.
The club also discussed future direction and innovation within York Rotary. Skip is stepping into a new “Ideas Committee” leadership role, helping members turn community project ideas into action by coordinating the people and resources needed for execution, including PR, signage, apparel, and logistics.
Additional announcements included:
- Heather reminded members that May 13 is the final day for absentee voting and shared that volunteers are still needed for the PR Committee and upcoming Community Supper.
- Claire announced there were six enthusiastic applicants for this year’s RYLA program. Following a motion by Jud and a second by Gail, the club unanimously approved funding for all six students to attend the 2026 RYLA event.
- Darcy shared plans to organize an old-fashioned clam bake for the August Community Supper and is looking for connections within the local lobstering community.
The featured presentation was delivered by Katie Somers of the Eliot-South Berwick Rotary Club. Katie introduced the club to the mission of EdCaminos, a registered nonprofit organization serving children ages 5–14 in the neighborhoods of Independencia and Guadalupe in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Katie shared the rich history and culture of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once located along the historic Camino Real silver route. While the city is now a thriving tourist destination with a large expatriate population, many local families continue to face significant poverty and limited educational opportunities.
EdCaminos provides free academic tutoring, English classes, art programs, reading support, and community activities for local children. Katie explained that learning English can provide an important economic pathway for students and help create opportunities without forcing families to leave their home communities.
Katie, an ESOL teacher in Somersworth with 18 years of experience and a certified court interpreter for the State of Maine, discussed ongoing fundraising efforts and plans to return to Mexico with Irene, her 11 year old daughter, this June. Current fundraising goals include classroom renovations, technology upgrades, teaching materials, furniture, and educational supplies for the children served through EdCaminos.
The meeting concluded at 8:20 a.m. with Darcy encouraging everyone to “go out and be the good,” while also wishing all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day weekend.