In keeping with their mission of “Service, Integrity and Community Impact,” the Methuen Rotary Club presented their 2026 scholarships and awards of recognition at a banquet held at the Irish Cottage on May 19.
Two-time and current Rotary President Tim Frechette was proud to be on-hand, saying, “I am always more than impressed with the recipients, their commitment to community is always incredible, and year after year, the quality of candidates never dwindles!”
The evening’s honors began with the Teacher of the Year award, presented to Teresa Zappala, a fifth-grade teacher at the Timony School. Presenter and Timony School Supervising Principal Christopher Reeve proudly stated, “Teresa is truly student-centered in her approach. She consistently prioritizes the academic, social and emotional needs of her students, creating a classroom environment where all learners feel supported.”
Zappala, now in her 28th year of teaching, said, “I would like to thank everyone who took a chance on me, a middle-age woman with no experience!” she laughed and continued to say, “This recognition encourages me to stay true to my calling. And teaching IS just that, a calling.”
The next award of the evening went to Gianna Moore, who was named Student of the Year. The award was presented by MHS School Counseling Department Chairperson Martha Tatro, who proudly said about Gianna, “Every time I’d turn around at the high school, Gianna is there. She is there finding the time to give back to others, telling fellow students how awesome Methuen High is, and what they can get out of it.”
Gianna’s academic passion and focus is in lab-based sciences, with goals to become a bio-tech researcher in the future.
An impressive group of students was then awarded scholarships from the Rotary Club, as well as the Dan Trafficante Scholarship Foundation and the Karen A. Everette Teaching Scholarship, for exemplifying outstanding community service as well as excellence in academics.
Presenter Alison Trafficante, Dan’s sister, spoke of the recipients with pride and admiration, telling them to, “Dream big, and pay it forward!”
The Methuen Rotary Club rounded out the evening by presenting Mary Ellen King their Service Above Self award. King, an early childhood educator and child care director at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, has dedicated her life to helping and guiding thousands of children and their families in countless ways. A prime example of her impact was when King met a young child who was sharing one coat with their siblings. She immediately jumped into action seeking donations for gently used coats and clothing. That led to “My Kids Closet,” a sustainable resource for our community’s families in need to safely shop for clothing and other necessities.
“I’m so overwhelmed getting this award tonight, and it’s really an honor for other people to notice that sometimes you just want to do the right thing to help others,” she said.
King finished by thanking her family and colleagues and saying, “This award is a tremendous honor, thank you!”
We can all feel pride in knowing our city has such caring and influential people among us.
Teacher of the Year award recipient Teresa Zappala is in her 28th year at the head of the class.
Service Above Self award recipient Mary Ellen King, an early childhood educator and child care director at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, is shown with Rotary Club President Timothy Frechette.
