COLUMBUS – May was Youth Services Month for Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.2 million community leaders and problem-solvers whose motto is Service Above Self.
The group has three signature youth programs: Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and Youth Exchange. The Rotary Club of Columbus participated in two of these programs in 2025, and others unique to Lowndes County.
Over the past year, the club has given $15,000 toward the Mississippi Spelling Bee, the Outstanding Senior Scholarship, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Retreat, Lowndes First Generation Youth Realizing Success Together and the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science Interact Club.
Rotary Club of Columbus welcomed students, parents and school administrators April 28 to their Celebration of Youth Programs at the Lion Hills Center.
Lucy Walker, the club’s youth programs chairperson, recognized the students individually. Each student was awarded a certificate and pin to symbolize Rotary’s support for their continued growth and development.
Jessica Widodo, representing the Mississippi Spelling Bee as the 2022 winner, thanked the club for their $2,500 contribution supporting the statewide event.
“The spelling bee is not just about spelling – it also helps students build focus, confidence, and a love for learning,” Widodo said. “In fact, spellers gain a deeper understanding of language patterns and word structures. This is important for Mississippi kids, as it enhances vocabulary, improves reading comprehension and strengthens critical thinking skills.”
Overall Outstanding Senior of the Year Isabella Allison, from New Hope High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the club, which was presented at the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Education Awards Ceremony. Allison was selected in a competitive process among all the outstanding seniors from each school in the area.
“I am deeply honored to have been named the Rotary Club of Columbus Youth of the Year,” Allison said. “Their generous investment in my future education and recognition of my achievements means more than words can express. I am truly grateful for the Rotary Club’s continued commitment to supporting the youth of Columbus and helping us pursue our goals with confidence and purpose!”
The club, along with East Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi University for Women, broke new ground this year with Lowndes FYRST, its innovative partnership to support first generation college students.
This project was funded by a $8,000 grant from the club and Rotary District 6820, which covered activities throughout the year, a leadership retreat and a service project with the Boys and Girls Club in Columbus.
Four students from MUW and three students from EMCC were recognized at the luncheon, and each was awarded a $500 scholarship to continue their education. The students honored were Raniya Cunning, Shakyra Mullens, Damian Ross from EMCC and Jamilia Berry, Sylvia Chen, Ofelia Guillen and Madisyn Watkins from MUW.
The RYLA Retreat is an overnight leadership development retreat held annually at Twin Lakes Conference Center in Florence, Mississippi by Rotary District 6820. It brings together high school students across 41 counties in the state.
The Rotary Club of Columbus awarded nine $400 scholarships for local students to attend this event held in February 2025. Students along with their parents and school administrators attended the luncheon honoring their achievements.
“RYLA allowed me to make connections, grow as a young professional, and develop lifelong friendships. It was truly a transformative experience,” said Brayden Smith, one of the participants this year.
Student leaders recognized were Cassie Carter and Braxton Johnson from Columbus Christian Academy; Hollis Fenstermacher, Jordan Harrison, Katie Krieger, Dena Madison and Enzi Norway from Heritage Academy; Brayden Smith from Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science; and Emma Williams from New Hope High School. The Columbus club was recognized by District 6820 this year for sponsoring more students than any club in the 41 counties.
Another foundational youth program for Rotary International is Interact. Rotary clubs around the world sponsor more than 15,000 Interact clubs for students aged 12 to 18 in 145 different countries. These clubs are often founded in a school, homeschool group or youth civic organization, where students carry out service projects to help their school or community.
Columbus currently has one active Interact club at MSMS. This club has carried out several projects in 2024-2025 like writing cards to the elderly in nursing homes and creating coloring books for children in need. They also volunteered at Market Street Festival with Pick It Up Possum Town. The club officers in attendance at the luncheon – Jennifer Bui, Ryan Wei and Brayden Smith – were presented with a grant for $200 as a contribution to their next project or event.
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