The Rotary Club of Newton recognized local nonprofit organizations and graduating Newton North High School seniors at its annual Grant Recipients and Technical Scholarship Recognition Luncheon on June 16 at the Scandinavian Living Center.
The event highlighted Rotary’s commitment to strengthening the Newton community through both charitable giving and educational investment. This year, the Newton Rotary Foundation awarded grants to 17 local nonprofits and honored three high school seniors pursuing career and technical education (CTE) pathways in graphic communications, early education, and culinary arts.
Roxy Feldman
The Bert Martinson Bell Flag Award for Graphics Communication was awarded to Roxy Feldman. Throughout her time in Newton North’s CTE program, Feldman used graphic design to address community issues and create educational experiences.
One of her most personal projects was a distracted-driving awareness campaign inspired by the death of a family friend who had been struck by a texting driver while bicycling across the country after graduation. Feldman designed a 20-panel installation spanning more than 100 feet of Newton North’s main lobby, encouraging students to pledge not to text while driving. She also led the design of a Jewish History exhibition at the Newton Public Schools Education Center and collaborated with fellow CTE students on projects ranging from restaurant branding to children’s book illustration.
“I want my work to matter,” Feldman wrote in her scholarship application. “CTE taught me far more than design and printing skills; it taught me how to collaborate, think critically, communicate with clients, and approach problems creatively and professionally.”
Malia Zhining Thompson-Leong
The President’s Award, presented in honor of former Rotary President Gayemarie Brown, was awarded to Malia Zhining Thompson-Leong for her work in early education. Thompson-Leong reflected on her experiences working with children through the CTE program, and she described the impact the work has had on her perspective and personal growth.
Thompson-Leong said one of the most rewarding aspects of her work was helping children learn and grow through her placement at Plowshares. She said those experiences reinforced her desire to continue serving young people and her community in the future.
“The award just means so much to me because it shows that my work not just helps the little kids, but it also helps the community around me,” Thompson-Leong said. “I’m really excited to be able to continue that into college.”
Duncan John Yens
Duncan John Yens received the William Rockwell Memorial Award for Culinary Arts. A leader in Newton North’s culinary program, Yens has mentored younger students and helped oversee major projects while serving as a student representative for the program.
One of Yens’ favorite experiences was serving as executive leader for “Jazzed Up,” a student-run, New Orleans-themed, pop-up restaurant. The project required collaboration among culinary and graphic design students and challenged participants to manage everything from menu development and cost analysis to dining room design and customer experience. Yens said the experience taught him the value of communication, leadership, and teamwork while giving him the opportunity to mentor younger students.
“To me, a plate is a canvas and flavor is a medium; the process matters as much as the final product,” Yens wrote in his application. “I take pride in mentoring younger students and showing them that great food and great teamwork both begin with patience.”
In addition to recognizing student achievement, Rotary awarded grants to local organizations serving a wide range of community needs. Representatives from each nonprofit briefly shared how the funding will support their work in the coming year.
17 Newton nonprofits win grants for community services
Recipients of this year’s Newton Rotary Foundation grants offer a wide range of services to the Newton community:
- Carroll Center for the Blind provides education, rehabilitation, technology training, and accessibility resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
- Fig City News provides free local journalism focused on Newton community issues, civic life, schools, and local government.
- Good Shepherd Community Care provides hospice, palliative care, grief support, and other services for individuals and families facing serious illness.
- Green Newton promotes sustainability initiatives, environmental education, and climate action throughout the city.
- John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club plans to use its grant to help provide summer camp opportunities for children whose families may otherwise be unable to afford them.
- New Art Center expands access to arts education through classes, camps, exhibitions, scholarships, and community programming.
- Newton at Home helps older adults remain active, independent, and socially connected through transportation assistance, volunteer support, and social activities.
- Newton Community Development Foundation supports projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening Newton’s neighborhoods and improving quality of life for residents.
- Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides emergency financial assistance to Newton residents experiencing hardship.
- Newton North HS Center for Civic Engagement and Service promotes student leadership, volunteerism, and civic participation through community-based service projects.
- Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library offers cultural, educational, and arts programming for residents of all ages.
- Service Stars connects students with volunteer opportunities and service-learning experiences throughout the community.
- Sons of the American Legion supports veterans, military families, youth programs, and community service initiatives.
- Springwell provides nutrition, wellness, and support services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers.
- Story Starters encourages literacy, storytelling, and creative expression among young people.
- The Second Step provides support, advocacy, and services for survivors of domestic violence.
- The West Suburban YMCA offers youth development programs, wellness opportunities, and community services for families throughout the region.
As nonprofit leaders, scholarship recipients, Rotary members, and community supporters gathered to celebrate another year of service, the luncheon underscored a common theme: investing in people. Through grants supporting community organizations and scholarships recognizing future professionals, Rotary members emphasized the value of service, leadership, and community engagement in Newton. The scholarship recipients, in particular, demonstrated how the next generation is already carrying that mission forward through graphic design, early education, and culinary arts.
Rotary president-elect Michael Jordan concluded the meeting with special recognition of his colleagues from The Village Bank, a significant financial supporter of the Newton Rotary Foundation.
Annalise Vito is a 2026 graduate of Newton North High School, former co-Editor-in-Chief of The Newtonite, and a Fig City News student intern.