Rotary Club presents scholarships at Niwot High School's Senior Night

Continuing a powerful tradition of community service, the Rotary Club of Niwot awarded three scholarships at Niwot High School's Senior Night on Thursday, May 22.

The Rotary Club of Niwot, formed in 2008, supports many community causes, including students at Niwot High School. The recent scholarships were the Outstanding Student Award, the Community Service Award, and the Niwot Rotary Student of the Year Award. Students throughout St. Vrain Valley School District who demonstrate exceptional community service are eligible.

This year, the Niwot Rotary Student of the Year and $500 scholarship was awarded to International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate and Niwot senior Mila Barinek, who has spent four years spearheading Niwot High School's Sources of Strength mental health program. Barinek is also the 2024-25 NHS Student Council Student Body President.

Niwot senior Sofia Burks received the Community Service Award and $1000 scholarship for her work at Children's Hospital Colorado, the Innovation Center, and as founder of the Niwot High's Helping Hands Club.

The Rotary Club of Niwot's Outstanding Student Award and $1000 scholarship was given to senior Allie Dahlstrom for her work as vice-president of the Niwot High School Best Buddies Club, which builds community for students with intellectual developmental disabilities. She was also recognized for her work with Boulder Valley Humane Society and with the Gender Studies Club at Niwot High. Dahlstrom will be studying psychology at Colorado State University in the fall.

"To get one of our scholarships, you absolutely must demonstrate a commitment above and beyond academic achievement," Rotary Youth Exchange Officer Scott Stockert said. "We do care about grades, and that you're a smart, kind person. Beyond that, we want to see an exceptional dedication to service. Our recipients do things not just to log as volunteer hours for Advanced Placement or other programs. They must have the intrinsic motivation – the slogan is 'service above self.'"

Stockert said the Niwot Rotary Student of the Year award is especially competitive. Each school year, the club awards six student-of-the-month certificates to students recommended by Principal Eric Rauschkolb. At the end of the year, one student of the six is chosen as the Student of the Year, receiving the $500 scholarship.

Stockert is hopeful about the future of Niwot Rotary's student initiatives, with a fourth scholarship for Career Technical Education and other non-college vocational work in development for future years. "We're branching out," said Stockert. "We want to grant opportunities to more students. Expanding this to those who aren't going the college route will help us support and recognize everyone who does good for Niwot and for their community."