Our Students Speak Out . Our club’s Signature Project, Rotary Academy, began in the fall of 2002 and with the exception of one year off during COVID, it has continued to offer leadership activities to 8th graders in Rockford Public Middle Schools. It has grown from 3 middle schools to all 9 middle schools with over 200 students participating every year now. Our current Partners are the YMCA, RPS 205, RVC and RU. Every middle school has at least one Rotarian who serves as that school’s Rotary Liaison. The Academy Program in each school is led by an Advisor who is a counselor or other designated school staff member. The students are selected by teachers and Advisors. They are students who appear to have leadership skills but aren’t demonstrating them in the school setting. They could have a disability. They could be in a special program such as CAPA or Gifted or bi-lingual for example. They are hopefully maintaining good attendance and passing grades. They aren’t involved in multiple extra-curricular activities. They don’t present with behavior problems. Throughout the school year they participate in activities that focus on leadership qualities, self-confidence and character building. The activities include trips to the YMCA Camp Winnebago, RVC, and RU. They are exposed to manners and etiquette by Liz Bockman. They perform at least one community service project, and they celebrate their accomplishments at a Final Celebration. Rotary Academy Day on December 4th will feature a variety of the components that make up the yearlong Academy Program. This will include several Academy Students speaking about what their participation in the Academy has meant to them. Come and hear about and take pride in what our club is doing to help students become leaders in their school, neighborhood, community and perhaps the world. Elise Cadigan will introduce our program and act as Rotary Host.
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