![Two students stand in the Upper School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732206666/usmk12org/jydzaqztqexnrthhctep/20241120BC-USRotaryClubAwardWinners-4_WR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732206666/usmk12org/jydzaqztqexnrthhctep/20241120BC-USRotaryClubAwardWinners-4_WR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732206666/usmk12org/jydzaqztqexnrthhctep/20241120BC-USRotaryClubAwardWinners-4_WR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732206666/usmk12org/jydzaqztqexnrthhctep/20241120BC-USRotaryClubAwardWinners-4_WR.jpg","width":1000}])
Congratulations to University School of Milwaukee seniors Selena Castro Ramirez '25 (pictured, left) and Mia Darr ’25, who both received the Service Above Self award from the Milwaukee North Shore Rotary Club. The club selects just two high school students each year based on their commitment to community service, impeccable character, and high academic potential.
Castro Ramirez’s journey began the summer after 8th grade when she first volunteered with the Youth Volunteer Corps at the United Community Center. She cared for children of varying ages, supervising activities, sports, and field trips to the lake and museums. “I enjoyed bonding with the kids and creating a safe space for them,” Castro Ramirez shared. After taking a summer off to focus on academics, she joined a group of peers to clean the streets of greater Milwaukee, finding purpose in preserving her community’s beauty.
“Volunteering is important to me because it’s my way of giving back to the community,” said Castro Ramirez, who benefitted from an after-school program at Bruce Guadalupe Middle School where volunteers offered guidance and encouragement. Those experiences planted the seed for her dedication to helping others. Today, Castro Ramirez volunteers at UCC Acosta Middle School, mentoring 6th through 8th graders in both Spanish and English. “I am incredibly grateful and honored to have earned this award,” she said. “Volunteering is truly something I have a passion for and will continue doing for years to come.”
Darr and her brother, Jackson Darr ’24, formed a nonprofit called Positive Altitudes and partnered with Sunburst Ski Resorts, The Boys and Girls Club of SE Wisconsin, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the COA Family and Youth Center to host a downhill skiing event for Milwaukee-area children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try the sport. Thanks to their efforts, children from around the city get to experience four days of skiing with rental equipment and gear, transportation, dinner, and lessons provided.
Mia participates on USM’s varsity ski team, and competed at the state championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, when the team won the championship. In addition, Mia was presented with the Sportsmanship Award at the 2022 state championships after being nominated by the team’s coach, Cassie Hoppe, and in 2023 she was named the most valuable player.