Rotary Club of Carmel awards six Leadership Connection Scholarships

Submitted by Dubbie Buckler
Carmel Rotary Club Board of Directors

Carmel Rotarians honored the six recipients of the 2026 Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection Scholarships at the club’s annual recognition luncheon. The exceptional high school seniors each received a $2,000 scholarship toward their post-secondary education, a personal tablet computer, and an inscribed display award.

The awards were presented by club president Doug Willard and program chair Louise Jackson, whose remarks included guiding principles for future decision-making.

Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection Founder Dr. Rick Markoff speaks to attendees. (Photo provided)

The scholarship recipients were selected through a competitive application process reviewed by a committee of Rotarians, educators, and community leaders.

To be eligible for the scholarships, the students must have participated in both the Carmel Rotary Leadership Day of Service, performing hands-on charitable acts to those in need, plus the Carmel Rotary Leadership Day, an immersive learning experience about leadership, entrepreneurism, business models, and the importance of giving to others from the fruits of their labors. Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection is the club’s signature youth leadership initiative created to bring together business leaders and high school students from the wider Carmel area to help the students develop confidence, character, and a deeper understanding of leadership through real-world interaction with community leaders and hands-on service experiences.

Each student selected demonstrated a meaningful reflection on their Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection experience through their leadership, personal growth, how they can positively impact others, and a clear commitment to continued growth. Their applications highlighted resilience, initiative, and a desire to make a lasting impact in their communities. Unlike traditional scholarships focused solely on academics, this program emphasizes growth, leadership, and personal reflection.

The 2026 recipients are a strong and diverse group of future leaders who exemplify the program’s core values. Five students received the Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection Scholarship: Cheryl Yu, Carmel High School; Zach Flint, Carmel High School; Anthony Garcia, Christel House; Kane Lomax, Pike High School; and Halla Wilburn, Christel House. A sixth student, Carter Buhr of Carmel High School, received the Dr. Rick Markoff Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection Scholarship, named for and presented by the program’s founder.

Carmel Rotary President Doug Willard listens as scholarship recipients Cheryl Yu, Kane Lomax, Zach Flint, Halla Wilburn, Anthony Garcia, and Carter Buhr answer audience questions. (Photo provided)

After receiving their awards, each student spoke about the program’s impact on them personally, shared their experiences and future plans, reflected on their participation in the program, and then answered questions from Carmel Rotarians and the many guests present. Carmel Rotary Leadership Connection continues to showcase what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to lead, reflect, and grow.

About Rotary Club of Carmel
The Rotary Club of Carmel, founded in 1972, regularly contributes to local community projects including the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center, Crooked Creek Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Carmel Summer Lunch Program, Trinity Free Clinic, and many others.

Carmel Rotary’s youth outreach includes Leadership Connection, a leadership skills development and scholarship program for Carmel area high school students; Interact, a Rotary-sponsored service club for youth ages 12 to 18; and the Youth Exchange Program, hosting foreign exchange students and sponsoring Carmel High School students studying abroad.

Carmel Rotary proudly presents Carmel’s annual 4th of July parade and celebration, CarmelFest. Carmel Rotary is also involved in global service projects focused on Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education and Literacy, and Economic and Community Development. The longstanding primary goal of Rotary International is the eradication of polio on earth.

For more information visit CarmelRotary.com.