Ambassadorial Scholars

On Saturday, March 14, the Rotary District 5890 Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee met to interview our candidates for the 2009-2010 Rotary Foundation Academic Year. The scholarships are for one collegiate academic year abroad and provide funding for round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room, board, some educational supplies, and language training (if necessary) up to a maximum award of $25,000. These scholarships, are designed to further international understanding and goodwill, and provide for college study abroad in more than 160 countries where Rotary clubs are located. During their studies abroad, Rotary Foundation Scholars act as "ambassadors of goodwill." Through appearances before Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations, and other forums, the scholars represent their homeland and work to further international understanding.

This was my fourth year to serve on the scholarship committee, and we had a record number of applicants - 21. Not only was it a large pool, but it was a strong pool. Each applicant gave a solid presentation and could be considered a good ambassadorial scholar. This year, the four scholars selected (along with their sponsoring clubs and institutions/countries of choice) were: Terrika Duckett (sponsored by Katy Rotary Club/University of Mauritius.), Julia Lukomnik (sponsored by Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotary Club/ Universidad Andina Simo, Sucre, Bolivia.), JoAnna Pelaez (sponsored by Houston Skyline Rotary Club/ Universidad de los Anges, Santiago, Chile.), and Miguel Salcedo (sponsored by Houston Heights Rotary Club/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerias, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.).

Although our nominee this year, Bhavika Kaul was not selected, she was a good candidate and was among several committee members' top candidates. As you know we currently have two ambassadorial scholars: 2007-2008 scholar, Alexis Hall who is studying at Institut Richelieu in Neuchatel , Switzerland and 2008-2009 scholar, Stephanie Kollister, who will be studying at Lancaster University in England next year. Our club is one of only four clubs within our district to have nominated candidates for each of the last three years and the only club in our district to have two current ambassadorial scholars. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of our efforts in this important Rotary program.