Every day, students in our county have opportunities around them to serve others. Sometimes the task is huge. Sometimes the task is small, and sometimes the task needs the help of an entire group.

School personnel, family and friends of students kindergarten to high school can nominate individuals and groups for service above self now.

The Rowan Rotary Club, Rowan United Way, Cheerwine and Catawba College sponsor our local Rowan Service Above Self Annual Recognition Program.

This year the program will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Catawba College in Keppel Auditorium.

I nominated many students during my career as an educator in the Rowan Salisbury School System.

I now serve on the Rowan Service Above Self Committee. So speaking from my experience, follow my lead and nominate. Don’t wait.

Catawba College will give scholarships to the winners of the middle and high school overall winners. Nominations are accepted for students that volunteer in our community, schools and churches.

Service projects in clubs, local youth groups and scouting units with helping others as their goal make great nominees. These nominees tend to make a habit to serve others.

The time frame of the service to others for this year’s nominees is August 1, 2018, to October 31.

Recognizing students for their volunteerism is a positive move for the nominator.

On Dec. 12, there will be lots of applause and smiles for our future leaders and volunteers of Rowan County and beyond. Thanks to our local Rowan Rotarians, Rowan County United Way and Cheerwine for continuing their dream of recognizing our youth since 1995.

So now it is the public’s turn to look around their neighborhoods, churches and local schools to find K-12 students to nominate for their tireless volunteerism and Service Above Self.

Our Service Above Self Committee is waiting for nominations to recognize students.

The last day to nominate is Nov. 15.

To nominate, go to rowanserviceaboveself.com

Call the Rowan United Way Office at 704 633 1802 if you have questions.

— Gloria Ann Wilhelm

Salisbury