SHS new graduate, Sophie Russell was announced as the 2025-2026 Seward Rotary Club Youth Rotarian at the recent SHS Honors Night. She was one of the ten Youth Rotarians on stage being honored, when they announced her award as Youth Rotarian of the Year. The other 2025-2026 Youth Rotarians were Kayla Albright, Ayda Metschke, Molly Marroquin, Avery Rodocker, Addilyn Sugden, Lily Brashear, Brianna Potratz, Sophie Russell, Micah Royuk and Kathryn Naber. There were 27 SHS Seniors that made written application for the award.
Each Yourth Rotarian was recognized at a Seward Rotary Club luncheon meeting and presented a framed, signed certificate of recognition, a Rotary Club banner and packet of Seward Rotary and Seward Community materials, plus a $50 Seward Chamber Gift Card. They were all ten recognized again at the SHS Honors Night by Rotarian Dr. Matt Dominy, a Past President of the Seward Rotary Club.
Sophie attended the May 20th Seward Rotary Club meeting and was introduced and honored. She spoke briefly on her college plans and was presented a special “Unite for Good” Rotary pin from Rotarian Anita Foor.
Sophie is the daughter of Tracy Phillips and plans to attend Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln and major is Social Work and Psychology. She was recognized for her achievement of earning 600+ documented hours of community service during her high school career. The Youth Rotarian Award is selected on Scholarship, Character and Service, with Service being 50% of the criteria. As Youth Rotarian of the Year, she will be awarded a $350 cash scholarship upon successful completion of her first semester of college.
Rotarian Anita Foor was the Youth Rotarian Chair this year, assisted by Amber Fiala and Dr. Matt Dominy-all members of the Seward Rotary Club.