Discover Greensboro Winter/Spring 2023

FEATURE STORY Programs

Knowa Student WhoOvercame Their Struggles? NominateThem! For more than 60 years, Summit Rotary and Parks and Recreation have honored students who demonstrate personal and academic growth despite obstacles. Know a teen who fits that description? Nominate them for the Student Improvement Award – and you could win, too! The awards honor students who once were headed down the wrong path, but have now changed their lives. It honors students who have overcome obstacles such as a personal tragedy, the divorce of their parents, pregnancy, a disability or sickness, or learning to speak English. Each month a review committee selects two monthly winners to honor at a luncheon at Starmount Country Club. Each winner receives a $100 gift certificate. Their nominators also receive a $50 gift certificate. “We really get the opportunity to read through and hear a lot of awesome stories,” said Britt Huggins, of Parks and Recreation’s Youth Services section. “We can never make a wrong decision because these kids have all done a great job.” Joe Kelly, a long-time Student Improvement Award committee member, said Summit Rotary has a special emphasis on supporting youth through its scholarship and mentoring programs. It has been running these student awards since 1959.

“In almost every case, every student that wins it, this is the first positive reinforcement and recognition that they have ever gotten. These are not your straight ‘A’ students. They are not your typical award winners,” Kelly said. “Some of the stories you hear just tear you up, the things they have to overcome.” Some of the students honored last year were dealing with the loss of family members, having to work to help support their household, struggling with health issues, fighting to get out of gangs, and trying to learn English, all while trying to maintain grades and get along with their peers. Last year Maya Grace Long from Middle College at GTCC and Drew Pais from Northeast Guilford High School were chosen as the overall Students of the Year. Nominate A Student! • Who can be nominated? Middle or high school students. • Who can nominate? Non-family members who have regular access to student, including teachers, coaches, counselors, therapists, or school officials. • How to submit: Fill out the application form at www.greensboro-nc.gov/studentimprovementaward and email it to sia@greensboro-nc.gov. • Deadline: Monthly, December 2022 to April 2023.

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