Austin Rotary Students of the Month:

Paige Raymond

Activities/Hobbies: I participate in gymnastics, soccer, track, DECA, band, national honor society and link crew through Austin High School.  I also volunteer at Our Saviors Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher.

Awards/Recognitions: I have received the Spotlight on Scholarship and the Athletic Academic Gold awards.  I have also received All-Section, All-Conference, and All-State awards for gymnastics.   I have been recognized at the Hormel Foods A Honor Roll Luncheon as well.

Thoughts on my educational experience so far:

Austin Public Schools has given me an amazing education so far.  I feel fully prepared for what lies ahead of me.

Plans for the future: Next year I plan on attending a 4-year university and pursuing a degree in either medicine or finance.

Thoughts about my experience with the Rotary club:

I am so happy that I was able to spend some time with the Rotary club.  I enjoyed learning about all that they do for the community and the extent of their involvement.  I am glad I was able to spend time with such interesting and active members of our community.  I would like to thank them for inviting me to attend some of their meetings and for being so welcoming.

Jekap Omod

Activities/Hobbies: I love playing soccer with my friends. I am in NHS and I voluntarily serve in the community. I mostly work with the children and youths. I always participate and volunteer in many activities in my church. I love playing piano and reading books on my free time.

Awards/recognition: I went to school in Ethiopia from fist grade to 10th grade before I came to U.S, and I had received about 8 awards for being the first ranked student in my class since first grade. I also had received Science and Technology award in my seventh grade. In April 9, 2015 and April 5, 2016, I went to Hormel for Austin High School Distinction Lunch. In May 18, 2016, I received an Academic Award (3.9 or higher GPA).

Though on my education experience so far: As I mentioned in the above, I was born and grew up in one of the poorest country in the world, Ethiopia. It was very hard for me starting my first grade few years later after the government of Ethiopia brutally murdered more than 400 Anuak(my people). I kept going to school and worked hard at the same time even though it was not safe at all. I have been working hard and never gave on my education. Coming to America was a miracle to me. I have never dreamt of coming to this country, but God has done for my family. I am doing great on my education so far.

My future plan: I wanted to be a doctor since a was a kid. That is still my dream today. My future plan is just to go to medical school and become a Neurosurgeon doctor.

Though on my experience with Rotary club: I am glad and honored to be one of the student visitor involving in the Rotary Club. I have met a lot of great people. It was a good time for me listening to the presentations about the things that are going on in the community. I enjoyed it in the Rotary Club, they are nice people.