Student of the Month (SOM) Committee

One of the focuses of Rotary is Youth and Education.  To meet this focus on a local level, our club sponsors the Student of the Month program.  From October through June, we recognize three outstanding students nominated from their teachers and counselors.  Students currently come from Central, East, Triumph, Pine Bluffs, Burns and LCCC. 

The SOM  committee does considerable work behind the scenes to make the presentations run smoothly during our lunch meeting. The principal or counselor is contacted to get the information on the student and other luncheon attendees.   A letter for the Club President’s signature and insures the certificate and savings bond are prepared in time.  They make the students, their parents and school representatives feel welcome when they attend the SOM lunch.

Judy Thomas, Ron Rabou, Sabrina Lane and Kellie Moser all feel it is important to serve on this committee.  Each one of the committee members said that the young people who are chosen for this award represent our future.  They deserve recognition for their hard work and accomplishments.  Kellie added, “Since being involved in this committee, I am encouraged by what our teens are doing and many of their stories are inspirational.”   Ron added, “Good students don’t get the recognition they deserve.  I believe a little encouragement goes a long way. It is my hope that by recognizing students for

their accomplishments that it will encourage their peers to do better as well.” 

Judy and Ron asked to be on the committee after seeing past student of the month presentations.  The committee asked Kellie to serve on the committee.  For Sabrina, the committee has a special meaning.  Her daughter was selected as Student of the Month last year.  “Witnessing how proud she was and how proud all of the other students have been, and quite frankly how proud I was when my daughter got recognized, I knew that this committee made a difference in the lives of our students and I am excited to be a part of it. I am often moved to tears with each student presentation and am proud to have the opportunity to meet and learn more about these students.”

There is always room for more members.   If you are interested in participating on this committee or would like to learn more, please contact the committee chair, Judy Thomas, jthomas@wyoming.com or 307-632-2124.