At our regular Tuesday meeting on June 5, 2018, The Frankford-Northeast Philadelphia Rotary Club was pleased to present the “Service Above Self” Award to Ryan Baumgarten.  Ryan, who at the time was a graduating senior at Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia, had been recommended by his principal for consideration.  During the luncheon and following the presentation of both the certificate and the monetary award, Ryan, who was accompanied by his mother Terri, spoke about his service and why he serves.

In brief, the Rotary “Service Above Self” Award, which is named for the worldwide Rotary motto, recognizes high school students in the areas of Frankford and Greater Northeast Philadelphia who are actively serving as volunteers because they care about the needs of others and the community.  Successful nominees, who also are in good academic standing at their school, act out of the conviction that they can make a difference at their school, in their families and in the community.  What differentiates this award is the recipient’s passion and willingness to sacrifice for the cause(s) in which they believe.  They truly are driven to serve for the sake of service, to meet real needs, to be change agents and, they don’t seem to count the costs.

We congratulate Ryan and wish him the best with his future endeavors!