Last week, Chesterton High School senior Willem Connors was nominated for the Chesterton Rotary Club’s student of the month for October.
The Rotary Club is a service-based international organization that has charters all over the country. They’re focused on building community, diversifying local economics, and supporting education, among other philanthropic pursuits. The Chesterton-Porter branch of the Rotary Club is focused on our small part of northwest Indiana.
“It’s actually a nationwide program, and they like to work through a lot of community based things,” explained Connors. “When I attended the last meeting, they were talking about polio and how it’s had a recent resurgence…they’re worried about the hot topics affected by community.”
The Rotary Club selects one CHS student each month who best embodies their motto: “service above self.”
“Willem is an accomplished and well-rounded student who exemplifies the Rotary motto ‘service above self.’ He derives joy from helping others and we are pleased to highlight his achievements,” noted Bonnie Hawksworth, Chesterton-Porter Rotary director of youth services, as quoted in the DuneNews.
Teachers at CHS are able to nominate students they see living out this historic maxim. Connors was nominated by Kim Goodman. He’s a peer tutor in Goodman’s tutor lab, and she noticed how willing he was to help others.
“Willem always makes himself available to tutor a peer and to always asks if there is something that needs to be done,” noted Goodman, as quoted in the DuneNews. “He is always working toward his goals while showing maturity, determination, and honesty.”
Connors is no stranger to involvement and leadership. In addition to being a peer tutor, he’s also on the CHS football team, is a member of Chesterton’s National Honor Society (NHS), and serves as the President of the Spanish Club.
“I like to lead by example,” said Connors, when asked about how he manages leadership. “I try not to take control of situations, because that can often cause craziness…by doing so, I can show others around me what’s the correct way to take.”
Connors doesn’t lead all by himself, though. He learned these valuable skills and traits from his family’s example. Specifically, his mother.
“My mom’s a teacher at Brummit Elementary, so she just always has to lead and show the kids the right way. So I like to mirror that,” commented Connors.
After receiving the award, Connors was gifted a certificate with a $50 check. He also gets to attend a luncheon, where he’ll be further honored for his achievements.
This award felt especially significant to Connors, as it will help him on his future endeavors. Essentially, the award just reinforced the skills and talents he already possessed.
“I feel like I always led by example, but you’re not always awarded for that,” said Connors. “This award gave me recognition that I didn’t have beforehand.”
When asked if he had any advice to students looking to improve their leadership skills, Connors had some wisdom to pass down.
“I’d advise to step into a leadership role where it’s needed,” Connors recommended. “Or if there’s already plenty of people trying to lead, just do the right thing, and you’ll be accredited for it.”
