Each month, the Elks of Wareham Lodge No. 1548 recognizes one student at Old Rochester Regional High School for exhibiting qualities in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming.
By recommendation of ORR faculty and staff, October Elks student Scotlyn Adler received top recognition and was recently awarded Student of the Year.
“The letter just came today. I was very excited and very proud of her,” said her mom, Carol Adler.
In its notice, the Elks group cited her role as Senior Class President and her star role in the production of Triangle last fall. But her attitude is what sealed the deal.
“She is … a most positive force in the classroom,” the announcement stated.
“[She is] always cheerful and eager to help whether she is planning the Ned’s Point trip or the senior activities for Homecoming. Scotlyn treats teachers and fellow students with respect and kindness,” stated the Elks Lodge announcement.
Scotlyn herself learned about the honor when sitting in class through morning announcements.
“It was exciting,” she said.
In addition to her theater and school government work, Scotlyn said she is also involved with eighth grade tours, fresh orientation, and volunteer work through her church and youth group. She said she recently was involved in a service program to fundraise for Habitat for Humanity.
Her English teacher, Terry Dall, who nominated her, specifically noticed Scotlyn’s dedication.
“She’d see me doing paperwork for student government, and she’d see me running from this teacher to that teacher,” Scotlyn said.
Juggling all of her commitments is not easy, but she makes it happen.
“I stay up late. It’s all the stuff I really like to do so it is worth it to be busy,” Scotlyn said.
Now, Scotlyn is preparing for her next step: college. Right now she is deciding between University of Massachusetts at Boston or Wheelock College, also in the Boston area.
In the meantime, she said she is looking forward to the Elks Lodge Student Awards ceremony, which will honor all 12 ORR students recognized through the organization this past year.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli