Awards program lauds students for school and community service
Laura Rogers, Tallahassee Democrat
Twenty years ago, it took good grades and/or test scores to be accepted to a good college. Today, an increasing number of high-achieving high-school students are applying to the same number of highly selective colleges. Superior grades and test scores alone are no longer a guarantee of acceptance; students also must have a record of service.
Community and school service engages students to adopt a 'can do' approach and helps develop the confidence necessary to excel in higher education, the workforce and life. Whether it's painting, repairing, visiting the ill or elderly, tutoring, coaching or camp counseling, students are developing their career interests, networking and winning scholarships, awards and credit.
What's more, employers and academic administrators value how students gain a sense of community, learn new skills, assume responsibilities, become aware of the needs of others and learn the importance of unselfish giving.
Students today are applying their academic skills and other abilities to improve their communities and the nation by volunteering at record rates. It is an encouraging trend in which a new generation is embracing an ethic of service that is creating a positive culture change.
According to a study by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement, in 2006 more than 36 percent of young people ages 15 to 25 volunteered. Nearly 20 percent were involved with solving community problems, and almost a quarter had raised money for charity.
The “Best & Brightest Awards,” established in 2006, recognizes Leon County's top public and private high-school seniors who are local leaders in this national trend.
The program is founded on the principle that community service links students to people and situations outside their high-school sandbox.
In February, Leon County principals, guidance counselors and teachers selected 115 nominees in 15 different categories, up from last year's 84 nominees, who have contributed their time to school and community, demonstrating leadership and achieving academic success in both public and private schools.
The categories are: Art, Athletics, Business, Career Technical, Drama/Performing Arts, English & Language Arts, Foreign Language, Journalism/Media Production, Leadership, Mathematics, Music, Public Speaking, Science, Social Science and Technology.
All 115 nominees competed for top honors and a cash scholarship. On March 3, three-judge panels interviewed each nominee. Each category's top three winners will be announced at a ceremony on May 9 at FSU's Ruby Diamond Auditorium.
With participation from Leon County public and private educators, community leaders and a diverse group of motivated students, it's been rewarding to watch this program grow. Special thanks to Ray E. Cromer, president and CEO of Envision Credit Union, the title sponsor, for providing more than $26,000 for scholarships.
May the winners continue to strive, achieve, learn and serve.
Laura Rogers, with World Class Schools of Leon County Inc., is coordinator of the Best & Brightest Awards.
