Evangeline Carolan (center) flanked by Dennis Surmanek, Club President, Gale Strassberg, North Shore Rotary Scholarship Committee Chair, and Suzanne Demetrio, Club Past President during the scholarship presentation.
The North Shore Rotary Club is proud to announce that Evangeline Carolan (Great Kills), a graduating senior from the Scholars Academy at Susan E. Wagner High School, has been named the recipient of the 2024–25 North Shore Rotary Community Service Scholarship. The scholarship, which was increased this year to $10,000 in recognition of the club’s commitment to investing in the future of our community’s young leaders, will be distributed over the next two years to support Evangeline’s educational journey at Northeastern University.
From a young age, Evangeline has embodied the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self,” inspired by her family’s example of caring for others. Her community service journey began in middle school, assisting with projects through her church.
Through her church, Evangeline has prepared meals for the needy, organized warm clothing drives, packaged hygiene kits for children in South America, assisted with Sunday School, and operated the audio-visual components of weekly services. One of her most cherished projects is her church’s annual Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive, which provides full meals to Staten Islanders in need during the holiday season.
As President of the Susan E. Wagner High School Key Club, Evangeline has led a 90-member team in numerous initiatives. Under her leadership, the club has supported the Staten Island American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, donated arts and crafts supplies to a local daycare, raised funds for Heifer International, contributed to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, and partnered with the nonprofit Beautiful Hearts to serve the community weekly. She has also coordinated multi-location collections for the Gift of Love Toy Drive, which delivers holiday joy to hospitalized children.
“Evangeline’s leadership, compassion, and relentless dedication to making a difference exemplify the spirit of this award,” said Gale Strassberg, Scholarship Committee Chair. “Her work not only impacts individuals directly but also strengthens our Staten Island community.”
North Shore Rotary Club Past President Suzanne Demetrio added, “Evangeline’s commitment to service, coupled with her core values and solid foundation, can indeed serve as inspiration for others. We are proud to support her educational journey as she builds on her already impressive record of community impact.”
Evangeline credits her passion for service to the example set by her family and the inspiration she’s found through her school and church communities. She is eager to continue her mission of service as she transitions to college and explores new opportunities to help others.
The North Shore Rotary Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually to a Staten Island graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding commitment to community service and a clear intent to continue their education. Academic achievement is not a benchmark; service and impact are at the heart of the award.
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