Robert Flower Scholarship
The Scholarships and Awards Program of the Rotary Club of Peekskill has as its primary objectives recognizing the achievements of students graduating from Hendrick Hudson, Peekskill and Walter Panas High Schools; and encouraging higher education for young people in the Peekskill and Cortlandt area. The club’s scholarships and awards support study in a wide range of post-high school study in 4-year, 2-year and vocational programs. Distinctive to the Rotary program is the focus on service to community, school and family among criteria for selection, in addition to academic achievement. This criterion is founded on Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
Peekskill Rotary established The Robert Flower Hispanic/Latino Scholarship in 2008 in memory of Robert Flower, a local business owner, Peekskill Rotarian, and former City Councilman. Bob, a graduate of the prestigious Wharton School of Economics, was sought after for his business acumen and generosity of spirit. He was Chairman of the Peekskill Industrial Development Agency, President of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, and The Paramount Center for the Arts. He sat on the First Federal Savings & Loan board in Peekskill.
The Robert Flower scholarship honors his humanitarian spirit by recognizing that the American dream is a vision that should be within reach for all. As a local clothing manufacturing company owner, Bob employed many locals of Hispanic or Latino descent and treated his employees as part of his extended family. Additionally, the Mental Health Association of the State of New York bestowed him with an award for his employment of the mentally disabled. The purpose of this scholarship is to offer financial assistance to a graduating senior who, by their words and deeds, understands the effects of humanitarian efforts as they attempt to better themselves and those around them.
The scholarship includes a one-time award of $500 toward college expenses. In addition to the typical requirements of a scholarship application, students interested in the award are asked to write an essay.