If anyone were to recognize substantial service to the Dartmouth community, it would be Rotary Club. And on Thursday, June 20, it did by awarding two students for their community service work over the past several years.

From wrapping Christmas gifts for those in need to cleaning up Cornell Pond to planting vegetables at the YMCA, Olivia Arruda spent the last five years volunteering her time with the Dartmouth Rotary Club. 

A Dartmouth High School Class of 2024 graduate, Arruda plans to attend Bridgewater State next year to study physical education in the hopes of becoming a physical therapist.

Jake Melo, a Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School Class of 2024 graduate, has also done some cleanups in addition to Gifts To Give and outreach work with the Department of Public Works through his school.

Melo plans to attend the Wentworth Institute of Technology next year to study electromechanical engineering. 

Arruda said, “I always think it's definitely important to give back to your community. Just working with [the Rotary] has been great, especially [after] getting more involved.”

Melo said, “Community itself is important. So doing anything to help it really is important as well.”

He highlighted the value in helping those who may not be as fortunate as himself, adding it’s important to “just reach out and be kind.”

Arruda and Melo both thanked the Rotary Club for choosing them as recipients, adding how the $1,000 accompanying the awards will help them with college this fall.

“I've worked pretty hard and I've always valued community, so I think it's a pretty important award to receive,” Arruda said.

Rep. Christopher Markey was invited to speak on the Rotary’s work over the years and the students’ recent accomplishments.

“This here is something that is rare in the world today,” Markey said. 

He spoke on the importance of keeping community service work alive, highlighting how education is most vital to this, but not just within the realm of academics: “You have to learn how to deal with people. You have to educate yourself on different issues that come up.”

Markey said his advice is to read newspapers and magazines more often, highlighting how two articles a week can provide them with information on something that interests them, educates them and makes them a better person.

“I'm not trying to sound corny or anything but the reason why we have free education in public schools is to perpetuate a society of democracy,” he said.

Without an educated electorate, decisions aren’t made in the best interest of everyone, Markey added.

“It's a huge responsibility,” he said. “So, congratulations. We're honored to be here with you guys.