Governor Tim Pawlenty spoke at the Chanhassen Rotary annual scholarship breakfast Wednesday morning about the importance of serving others.

“This country doesn’t work unless we have people with a heart of service,” he said. “Life is a relay race. Are the folks who are going to grab the baton ready?”

He directed the hypothetical question at the scholarship recipients and their parents, who joined Rotarians in attendance, answering that the young scholars, with the help of their parents, were ready.

 Gov. Pawlenty

“Do great things and find 10 other people to join in the effort,” he suggested. "Be a lighthouse, a pathway of encouragement for others to get involved."

Awarded scholarships were Jennifer Anderson (Chaska High School), Alexandra Carr (Minnetonka High School), Andrew Coldwell (Minnetonka High School), Colby Cook (Chaska High School), Jason Ehrmantraut (Chaska High School), Elizabeth Eickhoff (Chaska High School), Tara Harlander (Chaska High School), Caitlin Herby (Chaska High School), Alice Lehman (Minnetonka High School), Alison Liewen (Minnetonka High School), Carleen McMillen (Minnetonka High School), Sheala Mullaney (Holy Family High School), and Brooke Myhre (Minnetonka High School).

Gov. Pawlenty with scholars