CAMBRIDGE — Continuing a tradition started on May 13, 1971, the Cambridge Rotary Club awarded “Service Above Self” awards to Daniel Joel-Ysidro Garcia, Leah Grace Fule Krotee, of Cambridge-South Dorchester and Destiny Arionna Coleman, and Joseph Aidan Bates, students at North Dorchester High. Counting this year’s recipients, in 48 years the Cambridge Rotary Club will have recognized 205 students for their service to their school communities, their home towns, and Dorchester County.

The principle on which Rotary was founded, and on which it has always functioned, is that of unselfish service to the community and to others. Rotary’s annual “Service Above Self” awards are intended to recognize and call public attention to the unselfish efforts and accomplishments of four senior high school students who have devoted their abilities and energies to improving their respective schools and their home communities.

It is important to note the students receiving the “Service Above Self” award are selected by the faculty and the administration of their respective schools, not a committee comprised of Rotarians. Because there are so many outstanding students in the two county high schools that merit consideration for these awards, our club members recognize that each year’s final selection by the school authorities is difficult and challenging.

The Rotary Club is deeply grateful for the cooperation shown by J. Lynn Sorrels, principal of North Dorchester High School, W. David Bromwell Jr., principal of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, and the faculty members of each high school.