ITHACA, NY - January 30, 2024
Carlos Blackburn Small, a devoted senior enrolled in the Public Safety program at TST BOCES Career and Tech Education, has been recognized once again for his unwavering commitment to community service. He has been honored with the prestigious Trumansburg Rotary's Service Above Self (SAS) Award, marking this as his second consecutive win, a feat unparalleled in the award's history.
The TST BOCES Career and Tech Public Safety Program is tailored to equip students, such as Carlos, for positions in emergency services, and his exceptional commitment to service has garnered well-deserved recognition. Carlos's dedication to community service has been evident during his one-year volunteer tenure at the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company.
The Service Above Self Award, presented by the Trumansburg Rotary, is a testament to Carlos's selflessness and embodiment of the Rotary's guiding principle, "Service Above Self." To qualify, candidates must consistently apply the principles of the "Rotary's 4-Way Test" in their daily activities, evaluating the integrity of their thoughts, words, and actions based on the following criteria:
- Is it the Truth?
- Is it Fair to All Concerned?
- Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
- Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?
Carlos's friend, classmate and fellow SAS Award Winner, Audun Guber-Hine, took the initiative to nominate Carlos for the SAS award, citing his exceptional service as a volunteer firefighter. Audun commended on Carlos's willingness help others by stating, “He goes and reaches out to people and tries to help them with their problems, whether it be with schoolwork or with health. He is an overall good person.”
Post-graduation, Carlos plans to embark on a gap year before enrolling in a two-year college for further studies in forensics, a subject he is already exploring in his TST BOCES CTE Public Safety class. As part of his studies, Carlos is scheduled to complete his internship in March with the Trumansburg ambulance.
In addition to the honor of the SAS Award, Carlos received a $50 gift card to a local business. Notably, he chose a NAPA Auto parts gift card, reflecting his ongoing commitment to restoring his 2004 Ford Mustang. Carlos's passion for both community service and personal pursuits exemplifies the spirit of the Trumansburg Rotary's Service Above Self Award, making him a deserving recipient for the second consecutive year.
The Trumansburg Rotary will continue to award one student the SAS Award per month, and at the end of the school year plans to award one student with a $1,000 prize. The Trumansburg Rotary encourages anyone acquainted with a deserving student to submit a nomination, and program guidelines and nomination forms can be accessed on the Trumansburg Rotary website, tburgrotary.org, under "Service Above Self Award.
For those inspired by Carlos Blackburn Small's dedication to community service and eager to witness his commitment in action or even join him in making a difference, the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company welcomes new faces. Regular meetings are typically scheduled for almost every first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Additionally, every Monday, excluding the week when the first Tuesday falls, features training sessions at 7:00 PM, offering an opportunity for skill development and community engagement.
Moreover, from January to April, on every third Sunday, the fire company hosts planned events in the form of a Country Style Breakfast from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The breakfast menu includes a delightful spread of pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, along with juices and coffee. Participation in these events not only supports the community but also provides a chance for individuals to connect with Carlos and other volunteers. Admission for adults is $12, children aged 5-12 can enjoy the breakfast for $8, and those under 5 can join for free.