Peekskill Rotary Club Foundation

Peekskill Senior Wins Rotary’s Prestigious Lapolla Scholarship

Tara Mordin, a 2006 graduate of Peekskill High School, was awarded the Rotary Club of Peekskill’s 2006 Ray Lapolla Scholarship.  Established in 1983, the scholarship is a lasting memorial to Raymond Lapolla who epitomized the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self.”

The daughter of Barry and Lynn Mordin of Peekskill, Tara will attend Indiana University where she plans to major in psychology.  Her ambition is to become a lawyer.

Lapolla Scholars receive $1,000 each year for a maximum of four years.  For this year only, Tara received $1,500.

Ranking 9th in her class with a 94 average, Tara was named to the National Honor Society and National Mathematics Honor Society.  She excelled in Science, English, Social Studies and Math Honors Programs and served as a class officer.  Tara competed on the varsity swimming and soccer teams, played trumpet in the jazz and concert bands, and was an active member of the Environmental Club, the Exchange Club and chorus.

Each fall during her high school years she served as a swimming instructor at Springvale Nursing Home, and summers she worked as a swim aid and lifeguard at the Cooke Pool in Cortlandt.

And her community service is extraordinary.  As a member of the Peekskill High School Interact Club, Tara volunteered monthly with Habitat for Humanity, cooked and served meals for the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, enjoyed arts and crafts with the residents of Drum Hill Senior Living, contributed to bake sales and many other activities including tutoring classmates in math.  Truly a record of “Service Above Self.”

The Ray Lapolla Scholarship -- a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the youth of the area – emphasizes the development of young people.  Graduating seniors from Peekskill, Hendrick Hudson and Walter Panas high schools are eligible.  The award must be used to further the student’s education in a vocational school, college or university.  Selection is based on academic standing, school participation, community involvement and financial need.