Westfield - Mayville News
Posted by Ann Weidman
NICK HLIFKA RECEIVES DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP
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It was a Tuesday evening get-together for Westfield/Mayville Rotarians – a special get-together because the gathering was a special time for Nick Hlifka, who had been invited for a particular reason. Nick, who has been blind since birth, was joined by his parents, Gene and Gale Hlifka. He was about to receive a $5,000 scholarship from Rotary District 7090 representatives, Kevin Crosby, district governor; and Shefali Clerk, district scholarship chair.
Those in attendance most likely asked themselves: What does a blind person see? You don’t have to have “a lot of guts” to ask Nick that question – or any question. He is very friendly and knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. Having graduated as valedictorian at Sherman Central School last year, Nick is currently a Jamestown Community College student majoring in math and science. He plans to attend Houghton College in Houghton, NY in the fall as a junior and change his current major to ministry. As for his future career, he says, “I hope to use this (scholarship) funding to eventually bless the world through ministry.” In thanking Rotarians for his monetary gift, Nick said, “I’m very appreciative of the generosity and support of Rotary in helping to fund my education.”
In the photo (L to R): Dan Smith, Youth Services chair; Adele Harrington, president; Nick Hlifka, scholarship recipient; Shefali Clerk, District 7090 scholarship chair; Kevin Crosby, district governor.
ABIGAIL JANTZI RECEIVES 2ND DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP
“In my life, I have been provided with countless opportunities that have shaped me into the person I am today, and have helped me develop my character, " says Abigail Jantzi, recent recipient of a $3,000 scholarship from the Rotary District 7090 and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westfield - Mayville.
A Chautauqua Lake Central School graduate with high honors last June, during her school years, Abbey was a member of the CLCS Interact club, 4-H, Student Administration and National Honor Society. She now is a freshman at Penn State Behrend. “Knowing I so greatly wanted to continue my involvement in service, I joined Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority,” she said, adding, “…thus far, I have been able to help raise funds to support some of our national service partners such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand and the American Cancer Society.”
It can be said that Abbey’s membership in CLCS’s Interact club also contributed to her dedication to serving others. “When thinking about the “Ideals of Rotary,” considering my involvement in the Interact club in high school and my knowledge of what Rotary is, words such as service, compassion, empathy, education, perception and connection came to mind.”
Introduced by Dan Smith, Youth Services chair, at a recent club meeting, Abbey took the opportunity to thank the club for sponsoring her for the scholarship. “I am so honored to have received this scholarship award that will help me to continue this journey in life. I also am very thankful for the Westfield/Mayville Rotary Club and what they have done for me in my high school career, and now in my college years.”
In the photo with Jantzi are (L to R): Dan Smith, her mother, Mary, Abigail and her father, Brian.