The Highland Rotary Club will present three awards to distinguished members of the community at the 22nd Annual Service Above Self Dinner, which will be held on Friday, April 17, at 6 PM at Casa Milanese, in Highland, NY. This year’s honorees include Brian Beck, Taso Bakatsias, and Casa Milanese.
“This award recognizes non-Rotarians in our community whose actions reflect Rotary’s humanitarian motto, Service Above Self,” said Highland Rotary Club’s president, Don Verity. “The consistent dedication, generosity of spirit, and willingness to go the extra mile without seeking recognition of this year’s honorees truly exemplify these values.”
Individual honoree Brian Beck is being recognized for his extraordinary commitment to mentoring and coaching youth throughout the Highland community. Nominated by Rotarian Joe Kulaga, Brian serves professionally as an elementary school educator in a nearby community, but his service to youth extends into the Highland community. For more than a decade, he has been a steady and dedicated presence in Highland youth football, lacrosse, basketball, and other programs—coaching, organizing, and mentoring young athletes season after season.
Brian is known not just for showing up, but for the way he leads—instilling discipline, teamwork, accountability, and confidence while ensuring sports remain positive, inclusive, and fun. His impact reaches far beyond wins and losses, helping shape character and resilience in the young people he serves.
“Brian Beck exemplifies the Rotary principle of Service Above Self,” said Kulaga. “His commitment to our youth is selfless, consistent, and deeply impactful, and our community is better because of it.”.
Student honoree Taso Bakatsias was nominated by Rotarian Pat Roza for his exceptional commitment to service throughout his years at Highland High School and in the broader community. A dedicated leader and volunteer, Taso has served as an officer in the Interact Club throughout high school while volunteering well beyond any required service hours. As a member of Troop 70 Boy Scouts, he participated in numerous community clean-ups, supported younger scouts in achieving their goals, and completed his Eagle Scout project by building a kiosk at the Black Creek Canoe and Kayak launch—working with several community partners, including the Highland Rotary Club, to create a resource that will serve residents and visitors for years to come.
Beyond scouting, Taso volunteers at Highland Elementary School, serves as an altar server at his church, participates in the Greek Cultural Dance group, and is active in numerous school organizations and athletics. Despite his many accomplishments, he is known for his quiet, humble demeanor and willingness to serve without seeking recognition.
“Taso reflects Rotary’s Service Above Self motto in everything he does,” said Rotarian Roza, who nominated him. “He is known and admired by his peers, teachers, and family for his kindness to everyone and consistency in his care of himself, his family, his friends, and community.”
Business honoree Casa Milanese is being honored for decades of unwavering commitment to community, hospitality, and service in both Ulster and Dutchess Counties. Nominated by Rotarian Christine Giangrasso, the Milanese family’s story is one of perseverance and heart. After immigrating from Italy in the 1950s, Santino and Rita Milanese opened their Poughkeepsie location in 1971, building not just a successful business but a gathering place rooted in family, tradition, and generosity, which soon expanded to the Highland venue, which has served as a location of Highland Rotary Club events for many years.
Casa Milanese has remained a steady and welcoming presence in the region, supporting community organizations, including the Highland Rotary Club, and consistently treating guests like family. Today, with the next generation at the helm, the restaurant continues to embody the values of hospitality, resilience, and service that have defined it for more than five decades.
“The Milanese family’s love for the community is above and beyond, and they always strive to serve all who are in need,” said Giangrasso in her nomination. “Their hearts are in Rotary, and they truly reflect the spirit of Service Above Self.”
An online ticket purchase option or a downloadable form to purchase tickets to the event by mail is available at www.highlandrotaryclub.com. Adult dinner tickets are $55 each, and children’s tickets are $25. RSVPs are required by April 5.