Youth Activities

Make A Difference Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students either attending high school in Park Ridge or living in Park Ridge but attending high school outside of the city limits. The scholarships total $4,000. Three senior students from Maine South High School, Keith Nelson, Robert Bosco and Ryan Priest are the receipients for 2007.

Bob Barker Scholarship

This annual scholarship of up to $1,000 is awarded to individuals with a high school diploma who are seeking educational opportunities that don't require and associate degree, diploma, or certificate. The scholarship is named after the late Bob Barker, a 39-year member of Rotary Club of Park Ridge, in honor of his long-time career in Maine Township High School District 207 and his encouragement of youth in their pursuit of vocations. Maine South senior, Marc Demonte, was awarded the 2006 scholarship.

Dr. Raymond Hendee Scholarship

This annual scholarship of up to $1,000 is awarded to teachers in School District 64 to pursue new educational opportunities or additional teaching skills. The scholarship is presented by the Rotary Club of Park Ridge in memory of the late Dr. Raymond E. Hendee, former superintendent of District 64 schools from 1970-1990. It recognizes and commemorates his dedication to the children of the district, his support of the teaching staff, and his commitment to serving the community as a 32-year member of the Rotary Club of Park Ridge.

RYLA-(Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)

Young people participate in camps or workshops that focus on citizenship, leadership and professional development. Selected participants meet with Rotarians and other resource people to explore and discuss topics of importance to youth. Visit Rotary International's RYLA home page for additional information.
Ambassadorial Scholarships

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is the largest source of privately funded international scholarships. Each year nearly 1,400 young adults serve as youth ambassadors and study at a college or university in another country. Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy and academic excellence, the program has promoted international understanding and goodwill by sponsoring more than 35,000 Rotary students abroad since it began in 1947. Recipients may be any age; must live, work or attend school in Rotary District 6440; and have competed at least two years of undergraduate work. Three types of ambassadorial scholarships are offered. Visit Rotary International's Ambassadorial Scholar home page for additional information.
Youth Exchange

Each year about 7,000 secondary school students visit or study in another country allowing students to experience first-hand life, culture and education in another country. Visit Rotary International's Youth Exchange home page for additional information.
Vocational Scholarships

Sponsored by Rotary District 6440, these annual $1,500 scholarships are awarded to full-time students in a vocational degree of certification program at an accredited school.

Current Scholars:

Rotary Youth Exchange (Outbound)

Rotary Youth Exchange (Inbound)

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (Outbound)

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (Inbound)

Yu Shimizu traveled from Japan to attend English language school in Chicago. (2007)

Former Scholars:

Rotary Youth Exchange (Outbound)

Jenny Jaron spent a summer exchange in Germany. (2005)

Rotary Youth Exchange (Inbound)

Nadja Smajlovic-Bielefeld, Germany. Maine South High School-Junior. Host family-Rotarian John Davis and family. Aspirations of becoming a dermatologist. (2004-05)
Antoine Cacaux-France. Maine South High School-Junior. Host families-Rotarians and their families- Bill Haley and Al Bartels. His interests are music and computers. (2005-2006)
Mayita Romero Arequipa, Peru. Maine South High School-Junior. Host Families: John and Kate Kerin, Brian and Kathy Sheehan, Hai and Ingrid Motiwalla, and Rotarian John and Kathy Davis. Her interests are dancing, singing and acting. (2006-2007)

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (Outbound)

Kelly Oenning studied at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.
Sarah Crawford studied in Brazil.

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar (Inbound)

Wen-Hsuan Sung - Taiwan. Studied English at Dominican College. Host family in River Forest. (2004)
Miyuki Taka is from District 2680 in Japan. She is studying English at Dominican University and living with a host family in Oak Park.