Nominate youth volunteers for Service Above Self

As we approach the month of Thanksgiving when we all “count our blessings” I urge everyone to think about your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, students and other youth you know and be thankful for who they are and what they do for others. Many, if not most, of them have volunteered or stepped forward to help others either individually or as part of a church group, scout group, or school group. I am asking each of you to identify one youth or youth group and nominate them for Service Above Self. Please do not let their service to others go unrecognized.
Each year, Rowan Rotary Club and United Way of Rowan County recognize between 200-300 individuals and groups for their volunteer service at an awards ceremony at Catawba College. This year the Service Above Self awards ceremony is scheduled on Dec. 10. But we need your nominations by Nov. 13.
There are so many school-age individuals and groups in Rowan County who volunteer without asking for any form of compensation. While many are nominated by teachers, counselors and other school staff members, we need more nominations from parents and grandparents. Some parents may feel awkward about nominating their own children or grandchildren. But I hope you will not feel that way. Give your child or grandchild a “pat on the back” by nominating them for “Service Above Self.” You need not feel awkward about it. We will have a panel of independent judges review and evaluate all nominations so there is no reason to hesitate. All nominees will be recognized!
You may submit nominations online at our website, www.rowanserviceaboveself.com; or paper nomination forms are available by calling Rowan County United Way at 704-633-1802 (Jackie Harris). It only takes a few minutes.
I urge you to help us set a record for recognizing the many youth who help others through volunteer service. Please nominate a child or group today! You’ll be glad you did!
— Dr. Jerry Chandler

Chandler is president of the Rowan Rotary Club.

Be part of the solution
Poor Skool Purformance: Who do you blame?
Liberals
Conservatives
Merged systems
Parents
Students
Teachers
Administration
Poverty
Crime
WE can fix the problem. The community can decide to not accept failure. We can get involved. One place to connect is the School Improvement Teams. Schools have difficulty getting volunteers to participate. You can make a difference. It is important.
I suggest a district wide meeting of ALL elementary school improvement teams. For this to be successful, the community needs to attend. If your school is not represented — volunteer. This is what makes schools successful. Do we care enough?
— John Leatherman
Salisbury