People often say they worry about our future. They see kids these days on some sort of a device all the time. Take that and pair it with hats that have straight bills (no curving anymore), baggie pants or what appear to be skin tight leggings under shorts and you may agree. But if our children are our future then I have to say that I am relieved. I see the same things you do with kids these days, but I also see another side of them. One that can only come from spending some time, listening. Thats exactly what the Sunrise Rotary club did at our last meeting. Every month we play host to two juniors from one of the local high schools. The following is a brief synapsis of what we learned about kids in this town.
Nola Tran is a Junior at Lee’s Summit High School. Her list of activities will make your head spin. For starters she is the Leader of Communications for the schools entire Robotics project. If you don’t know about the program, you should, its one of the best in the state, arguably one of the best in the Midwest. This however is just the tip of the iceberg with Nola. She is also a member of NHS, DECA, Math Club, a Tiger Mentor and helps develop curriculum for at risk middle school kids. As if she doesn’t have enough to do, she will be participating in this years polar plunge at Longview Lake in mid-February. Its an annual fundraiser for the Missouri Special Olympics. I am hoping for one of those rare 60 degree days for her. It’s her third year of the plunge after all.
Chris Mitchell is also a Junior from Lee’s Summit High School. Funny enough he is a member of the Math club as well. Guess who asked him to join? Nola Tran. Chris also has a long list of activities and studies that just makes you wonder when these kids sleep. His main passion is cross country running and you can see it in him when he speaks. Next year he will be the only Senior on the cross country team, judging by his passion he will make an excellent leader to his under class-men. His other passion is for theater, which lead him to do improv at the Coterie Theater at Crown Center. He is also a member of AM Static, the high school improv team as well as the Student Senate. He to will be taking the plunge next month.
These are just quick snapshots of two local high school kids. If they don’t give you hope for the future then I don’t know what will. If you’d like to hear more from our local high school students feel free to drop in on club meeting. The Lee’s Summit Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday morning at the Emaline Ballroom, 7:15 to 8:15. We serve Neighbors Cafe for breakfast at every meeting and there is no cost to guests.
Lee's Summit Sunrise Rotary 