Rotary Student of the Month Devon McCleskey, with Rotarian Bethany Douglas, was honored at Tuesday’s meeting at the Manhattan Project Restaurant. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
ROTARY News:
Devon McCleskey has not yet graduated from Los Alamos High School but he already possesses an impressive resume.
He is a member of several high school organizations including the National Honor Society, the Olions drama club board and the Natural Helpers. He also sings in the Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera and dances with the New Mexico Dance Theater. Plus, McCleskey is an Eagle Scout.
He can now add something new to the list: Rotary Student of the Month.
While McCleskey’s achievements are impressive there was something else that caught the Rotary Club of Los Alamos’ attention. “We’re moved by his compassion for youth and teens,” Rotarian Bethany Douglas told the crowd during the regular club meeting Tuesday at the Manhattan Project Restaurant.
McCleskey not only serves as a Natural Helper at the high school, he helped establish a Natural Helper program at Barranca Elementary School, Douglas said. His efforts awarded him with a Bridge Award by the Natural Helpers.
Douglas said McCleskey sees the value of friendships and building goodwill through caring and listening.
After being recognized as a Student of the Month, McCleskey said, “It’s an honor to be recognized by this organization.”
The Rotary Club of Los Alamos awards Student of the Month recognitions to celebrate high school students who reflect the club’s motto, “Service above Self.”
Teachers are asked to nominate students who:
- Have given positive contributions to their school and the community;
- Have a good attitude about learning;
- Are good citizens and respectful of their teachers and peers; and
- Have good grades, attendance, and classroom participation.
This year student nominees were asked to write an essay describing how they use community service to address a significant problem teens may face today. The Student of the Month committee selected the winners based on their demonstrated service and exemplification of the Rotary Four-Way Test. The test asks, is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships and will it be beneficial to all concerned.
