Now on their road to tomorrow

Bonnie Bays traveled to become a small business owner.

"I didn’t know what to do with my life after my divorce. It was hard for me to believe in myself. But, Rotary had the belief in me. The fact they wanted to invest that kind of money in me showed me I had to learn how to take care of myself. Once I started with Rotary, it kept me focused on school and put me around positive people, people who wanted me to succeed. The Foundation helped me not only to become a better business person, but a better person, too. Because these people showed me respect, I’ve learned to respect myself and others, too."

Christina Carson traveled to become a computer programmer.

"Since I got the scholarship from Foothills Rotary, I’ve been looking for ways to give back to the community. I mentor high school girls and am the vice president of a young women’s organization. We’re trying to teach girls to go out and achieve want they want. The best way I can say thank you to Rotary is to help other young women to reach their goals."

Matt Barlow traveling to find a career in electronics.

"Getting a Rotary scholarship made me think that other people believed in me. Rotary is an organization that cares about students and tries to give us a second chance."

Debra Phipps traveling to a profession

"I was married for 17 years and was a stay-at-home mom. After my divorce, I had to support my two teenagers. The Rotary scholarship lets me go to school full time. Financial independence is a goal I can’t let out of my sight."