Over the past few years, the Rotary Club of Michigan City has been honoring distinguished individuals in the community with the Service Above Self Award. The newest recognition created by the club will honor a student participating in the JROTC program each year.
The idea for this award was proposed by immediate past president of the club, Lance Werner, who wanted to honor the Michigan City High School JROTC student with the highest number of community service volunteer hours.
“Rotary’s highest honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self by volunteering their time and talents to help others,” Werner said. He quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
The inaugural award will be given to Cadet Gunnery Sergeant Zachary Benedict, son of Thomas and Alexandra Benedict of Michigan City.
During his three years in the Marine Corps JROTC, Benedict has conducted more than 450 hours of community service, according to Major Tom McGrath, who leads the JROTC classes at Michigan City High School.
Benedict also serves on the drill and rifle teams, with McGrath referring to him as a key cadet, serving as a squad leader on the armed and unarmed basic platoons, a commander of the armed squad and one of the best rifle spinners on the armed exhibition platoon
“His collateral duties include being the Armory Chief and Operations Chief,” McGrath added. “Gunner Sergeant Benedict plans on enlisting in the military after he graduates.”
Benedict will receive this award during the JROTC Awards Ceremony held at Michigan City High School in May, and will also be honored as a guest during an upcoming Rotary Club lunch meeting.
The Rotary Club plans to continue offering this award to the JROTC cadet with the highest number of community service hours for years to come. This will add to the Service Above Self Awards presented annually to a police officer, a firefighter and an educator – each recognized for their commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Current club president Marty Corley is looking forward to presenting Benedict with this award.
He said, “I am proud to be a Rotarian, and the Service Above Self Award goes hand in hand with the values that my mother instilled in me, ‘It’s better to give than to receive.’ So, I honor this young man for giving to those without the expectation of receiving and I am proud to have this opportunity to cross paths with him.”
More information about the Rotary Club of Michigan City can be found at www.mcrotary.org.