The Rotary Club presented a plaque to Pellegrino as a symbol of its appreciation and recognition of his many years of service to the community.
President elect for 2009-2010 Kim Forrester said the selection of the Rotary Club of Saipan Citizen of the Year is a time-honored tradition.
“Pellegrino is chosen as the Citizen of the Year because of his countless contributions to the community over the years,” he said.
Forrester said each year the club selects the Citizen of the Year from a list of nominees.
The Council of Past Presidents creates the list of potential nominees and votes on the nominations.
A nominee must have good moral character, good standing in the community, devoted to family and community and is respected and admired by members of the community.
He or she must also adhere to the Rotary’s “Four Way Test of Things We Think, Say or Do”: — Is It The Truth? Is It Fair To All Concerned? Will It Build Goodwill and Better Friendships? and Will it be Beneficial to all Concerned?
Forrester said the previous awardees include Chalan Kanoa Bishop Tomas A. Camacho, former Lt. Gov. Francisco C. Ada, Susan Palacios Shwarz, Rotary Club’s former president and charter member Dave Sablan, Jose C. “Joeten” Tenorio and Manuel S. “Kiyu” Villagomez.
A former Board of Education chairman and former president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Pellegrino owns Pelley Boat Charters Inc., Pelley Enterprises Inc., Saipan Ice & Water and Saipan Aquaculture Inc.
He was one of the Covenant Party’s candidates for the House of Representatives in 2001.
