ITHACA, NY - November 28, 2023
Audun Gruber-Hine, a dedicated senior enrolled in the Public Safety program at TST BOCES Career and Tech, has been honored with the prestigious Trumansburg Rotary's Service Above Self (SAS) Award.
The TST BOCES Career and Tech Public Safety Program prepares students like Audun for roles in emergency services, and his commitment to service has not gone unnoticed. Audun's commitment to community service, through volunteering at his local fire station, has earned him this honorable award.
The Service Above Self Award, given by the Trumansburg Rotary, acknowledges young individuals who are selfless and embody the Rotary's guiding principle, "Service Above Self." Candidates must consistently apply the principles of the "Rotary's 4-Way Test" in their daily activities. This test questions the integrity of thoughts, words, and actions by evaluating with 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?
Audun's sister, Ash, took the initiative to nominate him for the SAS award, citing his service as a volunteer firefighter in Trumansburg. His involvement in the Trumansburg Fire Department stood out, particularly at a time when there is a critical need for dedicated volunteers in fire stations across the country.
Motivated by a genuine desire to help others, Audun thought volunteering as a firefighter would be a great way to give back to his community. Now, after volunteering for over one year now, Audun can't see a future without firefighting. Post-graduation, he plans on attending a fire protection technology program at either Monroe Community College or Onondaga Community College, with the ultimate goal of becoming a career firefighter.
Matt Taylor, the current Trumansburg Fire Chief, praised Audun, stating, "Audun is a very energetic young man, with great willingness to learn, and is turning into the great asset we need. He is a very compassionate person and is well liked in the department."
In addition to his role as a student and volunteer, Audun takes pride in living and serving in Trumansburg. He highlights the community's people as his favorite aspect, stating, "I have to say it’s all the nice people that live around here; everyone knows each other; everyone likes each other."
Beyond his commitments to the community, Audun enjoys spending his leisure time on the basketball courts, playing video games, and eating chicken tenders. The SAS Award comes with a $50 gift certificate to a Trumansburg business of choice. Audun selected Little Venice as his preferred business, and already made good use of the money on chicken tenders, fries, chicken wings, and probably too many root beers.
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."