Rotary Club of Carmel announces 2025 Leadership Connection scholarship winners

Submitted

The Rotary Club of Carmel recognized outstanding area students at its monthly meeting held last Friday, April 25, revealing the six recipients of the annual Leadership Connection Scholarships. Winners were selected from nearly 200 students who attended the Leadership Connection workshop and day of service in the fall of 2024.

The Danny Portee Scholarship Winners are Anne Byron, Carmel High School; Henry Davie, Christel House Indianapolis; Justin Macharia, Carmel High School; Maxwell O’Neil, Carmel High School; Priscilla Smith, Carmel High School.

The Dr. Rick Markoff Scholarship Winner is Brianna Vargas, Christel House Indianapolis.

Scholarships include a $2,000 monetary award which can be used for tuition at any college, university, community college, or trade school, and a laptop computer.

This year, a sixth scholarship in honor the founder of the program, Dr. Rick Markoff, was added to the previous five scholarships named for Mr. Danny Portee, the Owner and President of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc. (PME), headquartered in Indianapolis.

Mr. Portee and Dr. Markoff’s lifelong commitment to community service, education, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others leaves an enduring legacy – both men are living examples of “Service Above Self.” These scholarships stand as a tribute to their extraordinary dedication and belief in the power of education to shape a brighter future.

Students attending Leadership Connection are seniors from Carmel and Indianapolis area schools. They represent Christel House Watanabe Manual High School, Elevate Indianapolis, Carmel High School, the Simon Youth Foundation, and the Carmel Mayor’s Student Advisory Council.

About Leadership Connection
Founded in 2021 from a unique partnership between the Carmel Rotary and community and civic partners, Leadership Connection is a one-day workshop with an accompanying day of service offering a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers and panelists. The program provides students with the opportunity to connect and share with a diverse group of professionals. Speakers inspire and connect with local high school students eager to learn how to navigate planning for their futures, serving their communities through giving back and developing leadership skills. Learn more at CarmelRotary.com.