LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary presents award to local students


Pictured are 2024 Good Character Award winners, Sadie Ginestro, Heidi Vanhouten, and Elliot Wong (Joaquin Moraga Intermediate) Nyla Brustrein, Tyson Flournoy, and Bre Redding (Orinda Intermediate) and Ary Deepak, Tyson Flournoy, and Bre Redding (Stanley Middle School) Also pictured: Mr. Scott Parsons, President, Lamorinda Sunrise and Bob Marino, Youth Services Director Photo Provided

The Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary recently recognized a group of young people for their exceptionally good character traits. The Good Character Awards, now in their second year, were presented to nine students from Stanley Middle School, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, and Orinda Intermediate School.

Awardees included Sadie Ginestro, Heidi Vanhouten, and Elliot Wong from JM; Nyla Brustein, Tyson Flournoy, and Bre Redding from OIS; and Ary Deepak, Bobby Ruhl, and Quinn Sousa from Stanley.

Nominees were selected by teachers and administrators for their sustained acts of kindness, truthfulness, fairness, and service to others. The awards were presented by Mr. Scott Parsons, president of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, after a brief description of Rotary by Dr. Jamie Textor and the inspirational keynote address on character by Mr. Tren Kauser, long-time Campolindo science department member and current woodshop instructor.

The ceremony was held at the Campolindo High School library and attended by faculty and administrators from all three schools, district superintendents, and civic leaders. The school library was packed with proud parents and families. Claudia Windfuhr, a teacher at Stanley for 33 years, commented after the event, It is my pleasure to work with these students everyday. I know they will make a difference and will surely make the world a better place.

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary has several programs that focus on supporting projects that promote the wellness and mental health of young people in the Lamorinda area and beyond. Rotary members hope that the Good Character Awards will continue to inspire and encourage young people in the community.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Robert Marino summarized the importance of the event honoring those with good character with a quote from coach John Wooden: Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

Commenting on the awards presentation, Mr. Scott Parsons, President of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, noted, This is a great event which honors and promotes the outstanding young people in our community who give us hope for the future.

For more information on Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary and its programs, please visit their website at www.lamorindasunrise.org.