Rotary Club highlights WHS student leaders

Sixteen students at Wasco High School arrive at 7 a.m. every morning to participate in a special leadership club.

Not only does the leadership club meet every morning at zero period, they also meet every Tuesday at lunch. "These girls hop on the bus to Prueitt School, grab a lunch which is waiting for them on the bus, eat their lunch, get off the bus within a few minutes and head to their designated classroom where they assist younger students with whatever is needed by the classroom teacher," advisor Mike Bradley said.

"When the students are done tutoring the elementary students, they rush to the bus for the ride back to the high school and head to class immediately with few minutes to spare."

The three leadership students – Judy Kim, Genasis Pimental and Zena Guiterrez – were introduced to the Rotary members by John Prueitt Principal Rosalinda Chairez, who praised each of the young women by sharing a little about them. And the students themselves had some observations about their work.

Senior Judy Kim told the Rotary members, "I was able to get a student to do more the second time I visited. I like dealing with elementary kids."

The second student to address the club was senior Genasis Pimentel.

Genasis Pimentel has only been in Wasco for a few years and likes being able to give back.

Advisor Mike Bradley provided a brief description of Pimentel's commitment to furthering her education. "Because she wasn't here for her freshman year to attend class year-round and incorporate college classes with the school's Wonderful program, she has done so all on her own," Bradley said. "She has been taking night classes as well as attending classes during the day."

Also, Bradley said sophomore Zena Guiterrez has had success getting more out of the students she helps.

"We have a great group of student leaders in the leadership club," Bradley said.

According to Bradley, students involved in the leadership club often work with other students in need and help out at local events, kick-starting involvement within their community.

Any student interested in the leadership club can contact Bradley at the high school.