Scholarships and Awards
Tom Laswell Scholarship
Scholarship Chair Steve Gardner
announces the 2008 Tom Laswell
Scholarship recipients
The Tom Laswell Scholarship was established in 1992 in honor of Owensboro business and civic leader Thomas C. Laswell, Jr. An active Rotarian for 45 years, Laswell was President of Owensboro Rotary in l955, District Governor in 1959, a Paul Harris Fellow in 1979, and "Mr. Rotary" in l993. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a recipient from each area high school: Apollo High School, Owensboro High School, Owensboro Catholic High School, Daviess County High School, and Trinity High School.
2009 Tom Laswell Scholarship recipients: (L to R) Ryan Knott, Owensboro Catholic High School; Jessica Cox, Owensboro High School; Jessica Basham, Daviess County High School; Andrew Austin, Apollo High School; and Ethan Brown, Trinity High School.
Larry Hager Award
Larry Hager presents an award to Betsy Harpe
from Apollo High School while Hager Award
coordinator Kim Johnson looks on.
During the spring of 1992, Owensboro Rotary began honoring seniors from local high schools and colleges who made significant contributions to their schools through academic achievement and leadership. The award is named for Owensboro Rotarian Larry Hager in recognition of his long-standing service to the community's children. The award is presented each spring to a current graduating senior from each local high school and college. Recipients are selected based on 1) good character, good citizenship, participation in worthwhile activities and wholesome influence on others; 2) compassion, concern and action for others ("Service above Self"); and a scholastic record reflecting earnest effort and consistent progress.
2008 Larry Hager Award recipients: (back row L to R) Colie Smith, Owensboro Community & Technical College; Chris Swift, Owensboro High School; Josh Edge, Daviess County High School. (second row L to R) Holly R. Phillips, Western Kentucky University; "Betsy" Elizabeth Marie Harpe, Apollo High School; Samantha Payne, Trinity High School; Ashley Caruana, Kentucky Wesleyan College; Zachary Smith, Owensboro Catholic High School; Christie Wall, Brescia University. (seated) Larry Hager.