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Justin Sheehan rang the Rotary to open our Student’s Program meeting. Dan Mahoney delivered a meaningful and reflective invocation. The club sang the National Anthem accompanied by the superb playing of John Dale Smith. Doing double duty, Justin Sheehan circulated with the microphone for the introduction of guests. Deb Mikula reported the club to be in good health; however we mourn the recent passing of long time member, Edward McRee. Mr. Sheehan spoke of the goal of building the next generation of Rotarians through the student program. A new development of the program is that we are building relationships with the schools so that we don’t have to restart the communication process annually as we have in the past. He talked about the Pathfinders program that is working to assist students in their progression at school; part of the new ongoing relationship is for them to identify, encourage, and facilitate students who may have an interest in Rotary. We hope to encourage students particularly to attend our club on the first Friday of each month. “You are all lovely people” Mr. Sheehan stated as he encouraged us all to welcome our student visitors. Martaz Davis spoke about his upcoming enrollment at Olivet College. One of his main goals is to take care of his family in the future. Gabriela Salais, an International Baccalaureate student at Eastern High School spoke about her program where she takes college level classes in high school. She is also in two varsity sports, is in the National Honor Society, and is the 11th Grade President of Student Council. She intends to go to Central Michigan University. Owen Kilpatrick, also an International Baccalaureate student at Eastern High School, will be attending Western Michigan University to study Music Education. He talked about the benefits of the International Baccalaureate program which gives students a global outlook and exposes them to other cultures. He is on the Junior Board of Education. After college, he wants to teach in public schools. There was an excellent question asking for more information about the Pathfinder program. The Lansing School District has the “Pathways to Promise” program that helps students find their niche. Different schools in the district have different focuses that enable this specialization. The Promise Pathfinders are teachers and counsellors in the district that have pledged to do more especially in terms of helping students to find their own Pathway. |
