Congratulations to this year’s Owego Rotary Scholarship Winners!
Each year Owego Rotary awards $1,000 scholarships to a select number of graduating seniors from local high schools. We were proud to award this year’s scholarships to three students, each with outstanding academic records and with unique backgrounds, passions and aspirations that make them standouts. Read on to learn what makes CarterAnn, Kathryn and Ruben award winners.
CarterAnn Lower
Candor Central School District has announced CarterAnn as the 2024 Community Service Award winner, and for good reason! She volunteers on the Candor Emergency Squad and at a local nursing home. In addition to being a top student, she has completed certification as a nursing assistant and phlebotomist.
When asked where her motivation comes from, CarterAnn said it is because her family always sticks together. Her grandparents in particular have always encouraged her to help others and they helped instill in her a strong work ethic.
CarterAnn plans on attending Keuka College to study nursing and emergency medicine. She hopes to continue to work on an emergency squad while attending college.
Kathryn Donnelly-Taylor
Kathryn is Owego’s salutatorian, the president of the school’s very active FFA, treasurer of OFA’s National Honor Society and a member of Key Club and Tioga County 4H Club. In addition, through years of hard work and countless hours of practice, she has worked her way up from beginning horse rider to qualifying for and competing successfully in national equestrian events.
When asked where her motivation comes from, Kathryn said she is naturally competitive, and her animals motivate her. In addition to horses, she raises cows, sheep and goats, and their care keeps her busy every day. Her livestock career started at age 8 years, when her father brought home her first heifer cow. She shows her goats, sheep and cows at the 4H fair every year.
Kathryn will be attending Cornell University this fall. She was drawn to it by its natural beauty, its top rated animal science program, and its proximity to home. She plans to major in animal science or agricultural science.
Ruben Lemmon
Ruben is graduating from Owego OFA this year as valedictorian. Not only has he achieved this, but he is graduating early, after only 3 years in high school! When asked where is motivation comes from, Ruben says that he always strives to excel. His mom and dad add that he is passionate and hates to lose, but he has the ability to accept feedback.
Ruben’s whole family is very physically active and Ruben is no exception. His favorite school sport was soccer. As a member of the team for 3 years, he says some of his most cherished memories of high school will be those sectional wins that he was part of.
This year, Ruben was president of OFA’s Student Council. In his “spare” time, Ruben has volunteered with Catholic Charities, tutored students, and taught at bible camp. Playing the piano, especially playing tunes he enjoys, provides a great outlet for him.
Ruben plans on attending Cornell University to study physics. He hopes to do research as a student and after college. For study breaks, he’s checking out the chess club and will be playing piano in one or more musical groups on campus, “just for fun!”