Wasilla High student earns Rotary scholarship

The Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club awarded Aimee Bushnell of Wasilla High School its “Service Above Self” $500 scholarship to assist her with tuition at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Bushnell has been involved with Rotary International as a prior exchange student to Bolivia. As an exchange student and through her involvement with the Interact Club of the Mat-Su Valley (like a Rotary Club for high school students), Bushnell exemplifies “service above self.” She worked four weekends in July 2013 helping Rotary construct the new “inclusive playground” at Newcomb Park by Wasilla Lake.

Bushnell continues to mentor other high school students who have been selected by Rotary to study abroad for a year. The Rotary Club calls her a “Rebounder” – an experienced student who has studied in a foreign country. In addition to her work in the community as a Rotary exchange student and involvement in other community efforts, Bushnell was a presenter during the April 25-27 Rotary Youth Leadership Award conference. She was a previous participant and an experienced recipient of that unique RYLA opportunity.

According to Rotary President Dan Kennedy, Bushnell is well-deserving of the scholarship.

“A scholarship award to her is a valuable investment in the community’s future,” Kennedy said. “Bushnell truly is the quality type young adult that merits the award of a scholarship to help her with college

tuition.”