Lions Club Awards Bethany Students with Scholarships

The Bethany Lions Club presented their scholarship awards to five graduating seniors on Tuesday evening at a dinner in the town hall.

A total of $6,000 was awarded at the event. According to Lion Kim McClure Brinton, handing out the annual scholarships is her favorite part of being a member.

“The money for the scholarships is raised through our auction and other functions,” Brinton said.

Winners are chosen based on community service in following the Lions motto "We Serve," as well as financial need and grades. Students can attend any high school as long as they are Bethany residents.

This years winners are:

 Alexandra Lodynsky, Amity Regional High School, who is headed to St John’s University. Lodynsky also received the first ever award of an extra $1,000 for the Russell & Janice vonBeren Community Scholarship.

Kara Anderson, an Amity senior, who is headed to UConn this fall.

Andrew Zielinski, a Nonnewaug senior, who is attending Naugatuck Valley Community College in September.

Daniel Quarequio, an Amity senior, headed to Keene State.

Meagan Bamberg, an Amity senior, going to Southern Ct State University.

Outgoing Lions President ( and chef for the evening) Rich Photos noted that all of the money raised by the club goes directly back out into the community. Photos encouraged the scholars to consider someday joining the Lions as yet another way to give back to their community and continue their track records of community service.