The Russellville Rotary Club is a group of businessmen, businesswomen, and professionals who meet once a month to discuss how to contribute to the City of Russellville. Fellow Rotarians meet in the spirit of humanitarianism to develop plans and improvements for the community.

There’s a long list of contributions they make in Russellville such as promoting awareness, donating supplies, inspiring the youth, building historic monuments, and much more. The Rotary Club founds itself on “service over self,” which is a message for its members and the community. Entrepreneurs can come off as arrogant in movies, but most are outstanding leaders who live with a great deal of humility.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, I experienced this first-hand. John Hendricks, a senior from Logan County, and I were honored as Rotary Students of the Month. We enjoyed a hearty Thanksgiving meal before receiving our Student of the Month certificates and thermal mugs. The Rotary Club members were very welcoming and kind.

It was a special occasion not only because I was being honored, but also because another African American published writer, Alice Dunnigan, was being recognized. Two Rotarians held everyone’s attention as they told the story about her and Russellville’s efforts to honor her achievements. They may have not known in the moment, but it was truly inspiring to know minority journalists are valued. I hope to become a journalist of her caliber one day.

I want to sincerely thank Russellville High School and the Rotary Club for recognizing me with the Student of the Month Award. I am incredibly humbled by this honor. It was never my intention to receive “a pat on the back” for my efforts, but it has profoundly boosted my drive. It’s a blessing to be recognized for something I enjoy and find great satisfaction in doing.

Thank you, Rotarians, so much for giving me this unforgettable experience!