The Trenton Rotary Club was pleased to welcome back Melissa Lima, a past recipient of the Lion Woodward Foundation Scholarship, who returned to speak with club members about her college experience, future goals, and continued commitment to serving her community.
Melissa was awarded the Trenton Rotary Lion Woodward Foundation Scholarship in 2023. The scholarship recognizes a graduating student from a Trenton high school who embodies Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
Now a student at Villanova University, Melissa shared how her college experience has helped her grow both academically and personally. She is majoring in Psychology with minors in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Spanish, while taking an active role in campus life.
Her involvement extends well beyond the classroom. Melissa has taken on leadership and service opportunities at Villanova, including serving as Social Media Chair and Co-Founder of Nova Worldwide Kitchen, an organization that promotes cultural appreciation through food and traditions. She has also been involved with organizations supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.
Melissa also continues to demonstrate the same commitment to community service that made her a deserving recipient of the Lion Woodward Scholarship. Her accomplishments include being recognized as a Mercer County Young Woman of Achievement and receiving the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.
During her visit, Melissa spoke about her goals for the future and the experiences that are shaping the person and professional she hopes to become. It was especially meaningful for our members to hear directly from a former scholarship recipient and see how the support of the Trenton Rotary community continues to make a difference.
The Trenton Rotary Club is proud to have played a small part in Melissa’s journey and is grateful that she took the time to return and share her story with us. We congratulate Melissa on all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.
Once a Rotary scholarship recipient, always part of the Rotary family. We wish Melissa continued success in her studies, her community service, and all of her future endeavors.