April 1, 2015 Program: Pete Sanborn & Scott Pierce | Most Improved Student Program
This week we will be hearing from fellow Rotarians Pete Sanborn and Scott Pierce, who will be speaking on their club's “Most Improved Student” program. The Reno South Rotary Club has been offering scholarships to local high school students for 16 years. They are looking for help with their latest project “Achievement Beyond Obstacles’.
The Most Improved Student Program is unique in its recognition of students who have overcome obstacles to position themselves for college or education in various professional trades. Students who have overcome drugs, gangs, fighting, poor attendance, family conflicts, broken families and severe medical challenges are selected. All selected students receive scholarships, a hosted luncheon for themselves and family or their mentors.
Two students from each of the nineteen Washoe County High Schools are chosen for overall improvement in not just grades, but social skill, community service and especially how they have overcome hardships in their personal and family lives. The two students, male and female, that are picked from each high school attend a two-hour seminar in business and motivation. Then the students and their families are treated to lunch at the Rotary meeting. Each student is then asked to give a five-minute presentation on how he or she has overcome the major obstacles in their lives. Reno South Rotary members judge and the top five are given additional $1,000 scholarships.
The students awarded the scholarships use the funds to further their educational and career goals.