Rotary Stars 2025 - "Awards for Good Citizens"

The awards went to children, who have “gone the extra mile” to help others, perhaps by raising funds for a charity, supporting fellow classmates or helping poorly friends or relatives. The Awards were presented at special school assemblies where one pupil in each year was selected to receive a certificate, a badge and a book or gift token.  Their teacher explained why they had received the award, for example “Jenny with her family raise money for children in her Class to have a treat at Christmas and Easter.  This is appreciated so much by the children and staff in this class and the whole school community” and “John used his pocket money to buy food for the food bank collection.” Many recipients received warm applause from their peers, confirming that they, too, appreciated their efforts.

Mary Jane Falconer, of Rotary Club of Douglas commented on the positive feedback from the parents and teachers. One parent said “As a mum of a child who was utterly thrilled to receive a Rotary Stars Award yesterday. It was super for all of the children to learn of the work of Rotary and to take inspiration to think about how they might demonstrate "Service Above Self" in their lives. Amelia (her daughter) aged 9, was recognised for her entrepreneurial spirit and involvement in so many things”. One teacher said “The idea of “Service before Self” has really resonated and been heard a few times from staff to children in school.” 

Overall, the response from both pupils, parents and teachers has been extremely positive. The scheme has encouraged many children to appreciate the importance of making a positive contribution to society. The scheme is designed to encourage everyone to think how they can do more, and demonstrate that you don’t have to be super-clever or good at sports to be considered a valued member of the school. This is reflected in the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”; Rotary Clubs all over the world work to help both their local community and those in need internationally, such as victims of earthquakes or wars.

Local projects supported by Rotary include the Isle of Man Foodbanks, Southern Befrienders, Port Erin beach festival, local Lifeboats and Ramsey’s Queens Pier restoration, as well as support for visual arts on the Isle of Man through the John Nicholson Foundation. The Hairpin Woodland Park is a significant project being undertaken by Douglas Rotary Club in partnership with the Manx Wildlife Trust. The Mini Parish Fun Walk for young people ages between 4-11 has raised around £100,000 in total for charities since it started five years ago.  

Rotarians also run programmes to encourage youngsters on the Island to develop their personal skills through initiatives such as the Young Photographer of Mann competition, the Schools Public Speaking Competition and Reading Buddies.  

David Scott, President of the Rotary Club of Rushen & Western Mann commented, “Since we launched Rotary Stars five years ago the scheme has grown each year.  I am delighted that thanks to a collaboration with Douglas and Onchan Rotary Clubs, 19 primary schools on the Island now take part.  Hopefully we will be able to get all the schools to participate over the next few years, because it is a wonderful way of encouraging younger generations to value the importance of caring for their community and others less fortunate than themselves.”

The importance of the scheme was also recognised by Rotary International President Dr Stephanie Urchick, who attended the awards at  Scoill Vallajeelt during her recent visit to the Island.

List of Schools participating in Rotary Stars in 2025:

·        Anagh Coar School

·        Arbory  School

·        Ballasalla School

·        Manor Park

·        Peel Clothworkers' School

·        Rushen Primary School

·        Scoill Phurt le Moirrey

·        Victoria Road School

·        Ashley Hill School

·        Onchan School

·        Ballacottier Primary School

·        Ballaugh School

·        Henry Bloom Noble Primary School

·        Jurby School

·        Kewaigue Primary School

·        Marown Primary School

·        Scooill Vallajeelt

·        St Thomas

·        Sulby