Spotlight on: Patrick Rowley
December 2024 Senior Student of the Month
The Student Council decides monthly student and teacher awards with a specific category each month. The category for December 2024 focused on community involvement.
The Senior Student of the Month awards go to two seniors per month who are nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-11.
The High School Teacher of the Month award goes to one teacher per month who is nominated and voted on by Student Council members in grades 9-12. All Teachers of the Month become eligible to become Teacher of the Year in June.
The December 2024 Senior Students of the Month are Fauziatu Ibrahim and Patrick Rowley. The December 2024 High School Teacher of the Month is Laura Scalise.
Read a Q&A with Patrick Rowley below.
Q. What inspired you to get involved in the community?
A. I have a drive to be part of something bigger than myself; to create or be part of something of value to others. Being part of the community is just the quickest way to bring value to the world.
Q. Can you share one or two specific projects or activities you’ve been part of?
A. I have been part of the Herkimer music program since seventh grade. I am also a volunteer Sunday school teacher at my church and a member of the boys varsity volleyball team.
Q. What does winning Student of the Month mean to you?
A. To me, winning Student of the Month makes me feel very satisfied with myself. All of the dedication and energy I’ve poured into what I do is being recognized, and it’s all feeling very worth it. My senior quote is actually a motto I live by, and this is why it’s what it is to me. “Nothing worth it’s ever easy” after all.
Q. What was the most rewarding moment from your community work?
A. In all my time working to better our community, I can say with absolute certainty that the most rewarding and satisfying part of it all is the applause after a show. The bright lights of the stage, the roaring audience. The gratification and praise you receive after a show is such a surreal experience.
Q. How have your experiences in the community shaped who you are?
A. I like to think that I’m a selfless person. If I ever see anyone who may seem in distress, then I will always at the very least ask them if they are OK. This is directly due to me wanting to be of value to others.
Q. What advice would you give to other students who want to get involved in their communities?
A. If you want to get involved, you have to be present. Listen to what’s around you and be more considerate. Pay attention to your community and what goes on around you.
Q. Are there any individuals or organizations you’d like to thank for supporting your efforts?
A. First off, I want to thank my mom and dad for being very adamant about what I do and for supporting it all. I want to also thank the many people and teachers I have worked with for being amazing leaders and peers. And I want to lastly thank the school for choosing me to be the Student of the Month for December.