Xing Lin, 2009 Metter High valedictorian, was presented the Metter Rotary Club Scholarship during the club's June 30 meeting. Describing the basis for selecting an award recipient, Rotarian Mal White said, "The recipient is chosen based on the criteria of scholarship, leadership, character and service."
In the area of scholarship, White said, "How much better can you be than number one in your class each year for four years ... ? His rise to the top of his class at Metter High School has been achieved by setting goals and actively working towards them. He has excelled in every academic category. We were particularly impressed
with his essay ..."
On leadership, White commented, "He has been a class officer or representative each year, Student Council president
for the last two years. He has been chapter president of the Future Business Leaders of America for the last three years, leading the chapter from bronze status to gold status, and ranked 7th in the state. In fact, he just returned from National Competition in California last night ..."
Speaking of Lin's character, White said, "In one of his recommendations, it was written that ‘he has a particular
gift for reaching individuals from diverse races, cultures, ages and economic situations.' He has founded Project TAP (Teenagers Against Poverty) and initiated the Green Day recycling project. People with character
recognize opportunities and seek to create solutions like he has done."
As White spoke on Lin's service, he said, "He has served his family by helping in the restaurant. He has served other students by tutoring and setting a stellar example. He has served the community at the library, through DFACS, Red Cross, March of Dimes, Savannah Soup Kitchens and even washed animals at animal shelters. It is very special for him to earn this award from a service organization such as Rotary."
To Lin, White said, "Your family is proud; your school is proud; your community is proud, and the Rotary Club of Metter is proud of you for your many accomplishments and for the person that you are today and will become in the future."
"He has set a lofty goal, matriculating at Harvard University ... I'm betting on his continued success," White continued.
Lin received a plaque and a check for $2500. Additionally,
his name has been added to the perpetual plaque of distinguished winners.

Courtesy of Metter Advertiser