With its motto, “We Serve,” Lions Clubs International is built on a mission of community-centered service. The organization promotes kindness, volunteerism and global humanitarian efforts—while also uplifting young people who demonstrate these values in their lives.
 |
| At a recent awards ceremony, the Windham Lions Club honored six Windham High seniors who have not only succeeded academically but have also made meaningful contributions to their school and community. From left are Ashley Cloutier, Ellise Gallop, Corey Brackett, Lauren Neal, Kendra Eubanks, and Emma Fox. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Emma Fox, Lauren Neal, Ashley Cloutier, Corey Brackett, Ellise Gallop, and Kendra Eubanks were selected as Students of the Month through the months of October to March and honored during an Awards Ceremony at WHS in late April.
“We like to foster youth empowerment through leadership development, community service and life skills education,” said Cathy Fortier, Lions Club member who served on the selection committee. “We view young people not just as beneficiaries of service but as the next generation of global change-makers.”
The selection process begins with school counselors, who nominate students they believe stand out for their character, perseverance, and contributions to the school community.
“Academic achievement is considered, but it is not the sole focus,” Fortier said. “Nominees are recognized for their character, the challenges they have faced, and the resilience they have shown in overcoming them. In their presentation to us, we look for leadership roles, personal growth, and the ways students contribute to not only WHS but the broader community.”
As for the students selected, they all feel very honored to be chosen. Emma Fox, who will be attending Bates College this fall, said that the recognition means a lot to her because it validates all the hard work she has put into school, leadership and community service.
“Sometimes work goes unnoticed if you aren't the flashiest person, therefore this award makes me feel proud and happy that people have recognized my hard work,” Fox said.
Since commitment to volunteerism is a key part of the selection process, students said that giving back is an important part of their life experience and helps to shape their view on life.
“I love helping out in youth sports as it is the backbone of high school sports. If I can help people who are struggling, I always make sure to do so,” she said.
Lauren Neal, who will be attending UMaine, agreed with Fox adding that she has lived in Windham her entire life and the town has given her the support and love that she needed to be where she is today. “Going out and volunteering in my community is the least that I can do as a way to thank them for all they've done for me.”
Ashley Cloutier, who will be attending University of New England this fall, added that volunteerism is important because, without volunteers, many of the activities she does wouldn't be possible. “Plus, helping my community gives me the chance to interact with people I wouldn't otherwise meet.”
Leadership also plays a role in the screening process, and all six students go above and beyond in this area by serving as positive role models for their peers and taking initiative both in and out of the classroom.
For Neal, who thought she wouldn’t be the kind of person that would be able to speak to a large group of people, or lead a group project, found a way to break out of her shell.
The selection process begins with school counselors, who nominate students they believe stand out for their character, perseverance, and contributions to the school community.
“Academic achievement is considered, but it is not the sole focus,” Fortier said. “Nominees are recognized for their character, the challenges they have faced, and the resilience they have shown in overcoming them. In their presentation to us, we look for leadership roles, personal growth, and the ways students contribute to not only WHS but the broader community.”
“Sometimes work goes unnoticed if you aren't the flashiest person, therefore this award makes me feel proud and happy that people have recognized my hard work,” Fox said.
Since commitment to volunteerism is a key part of the selection process, students said that giving back is an important part of their life experience and helps to shape their view on life.
“I love helping out in youth sports as it is the backbone of high school sports. If I can help people who are struggling, I always make sure to do so,” she said.
Lauren Neal, who will be attending UMaine, agreed with Fox adding that she has lived in Windham her entire life and the town has given her the support and love that she needed to be where she is today. “Going out and volunteering in my community is the least that I can do as a way to thank them for all they've done for me.”
Ashley Cloutier, who will be attending University of New England this fall, added that volunteerism is important because, without volunteers, many of the activities she does wouldn't be possible. “Plus, helping my community gives me the chance to interact with people I wouldn't otherwise meet.”
Leadership also plays a role in the screening process, and all six students go above and beyond in this area by serving as positive role models for their peers and taking initiative both in and out of the classroom.
For Neal, who thought she wouldn’t be the kind of person that would be able to speak to a large group of people, or lead a group project, found a way to break out of her shell.
Fox shared similar experiences. “I know what it feels like to have a hard time speaking up, so if I am capable or confident enough to do so, I want to be a role model, and a helper. I feel better about myself and my community when I help out. I love to know that I've made an impact on people.”
What Fox may not know is the impact the six of them made on the members of the Lions Club.
“It was so nice to meet such a great group of students,” Fortier said. “Our club mainly consists of older adults and it’s really enjoyable listening to our youth. It makes us feel really good about our future because all these students shine and contribute to the greater good in their own way.” <
No comments:
Post a Comment