THOMASVILLE- The Rotary Club of Thomasville had a huge crowd during their Thursday meeting, acknowledging all of their students of the month along with presenting the United Way of Thomas County a check.

In August, the Rotary Club held their annual golf classic, where they raised $50,000 to help with their big impact project, which consists of partnering with Second Harvest to provide fresh produce for the community. The $50,000 also was split to help the United Way in its efforts to provide for 18 agencies that serve all the socio-economic citizens and groups throughout Thomas County.

United Way Board Member Gene McNease said the golf classic and check presentation was a great representation of the Rotary four-way test.

The four-way test asks four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Is it beneficial to all concerned?

McNease explained the project is great for United Way and benefits them in ways the Rotary Club could never imagine.

“We could not meet our fundraising goal without the proceeds from this tournament,” he said.

Additionally, the tournament helped with the relationships formed between the Rotary Club and the United Way.

“It was great for our Rotary Club of Thomasville leadership,” McNease said. “I want to thank golf tournament chairman Scooter Grubbs and madam President Mary Beth Donalson.”

Following the check presentation, Rick Piper acknowledged the Thomasville High School golf team, who competed in the classic against Brookwood and Thomas County Central, winning the annual trophy donated by Piper.

He congratulated the team on a job well done and encouraged those who were not seniors to return and compete the following year.

Piper then turned the floor over to Youth Services Director Chandler Giddes, who presented the Students of the Month.

Certificates were first presented to Thomasville freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, prior to the seniors, who introduced themselves and gave a brief overview of what it meant to be chosen as Student of the Month by the Rotary Club.

Giddes explained that Students of the Month are chosen by their teachers and guidance counselors.

“They exemplify what we as Rotarians want to exemplify in adult life in the schools,” he said. “They are character pillars of honesty, good students, good athletes, and service in school.”

Bryant Cummings, Makenna Ponder, and Verdasha Turner were all chosen as Thomasville High School/Scholars Academy senior Students of the Month for September, October, and November.

“I’m beyond honored to be here today as Rotary’s Student of the Month,” Ponder said. “I’ve been a student at Scholars since the 7th grade and believe they have adequately prepared me for college.”

Ponder said upon graduation, she plans to attend Georgia Tech, where she hopes to continue swimming and major in Civil Engineering.

“I can say with confidence Scholars has prepared me for these ambitious goals,” she concluded. “As my time in high school comes to an end, I can say with great enthusiasm that I will make Thomasville and my parents proud by doing the best in all I can do.”

Turner, who attends Thomasville High School informed the crowd that she currently takes nursing classes at the high school and hopes to continue her nursing career upon graduation.

Thomas County Central Senior Students of the Month were then invited to introduce themselves.

August Student of the Month was Hayden Groom.

Groom has been involved with Key Club and FBLA for several years, competing in numerous competitions. His interest in business has led him to pursue a career in either economics or business management at the University of Georgia, where he was recently accepted.

September Student of the Month Ian Thompson will be joining Groom at the University of Georgia, where he hopes to focus on pre-med, following in his mother’s footsteps.

“She is a nurse and has inspired me to live a life of helping others,” Thompson shared.

Kris Wilhelm was introduced as October’s Student of the Month. Wilhelm is currently on the TCC football team and addressed the crowd on what the game has taught him.

“Football has been a priority most of my life right behind God and family,” he explained. “Sometimes it takes a long time for hard work to pay off and show up.”

However, Wilhelm and his team’s hard work is now on full display as they head into the Final Four against Marist.

Wilhelm’s love for football and willingness to serve has led him to realize God may be calling him to coach football and teach. He announced he intends to apply to Kennesaw State University, among other schools in hopes of continuing to play football and earning a degree in Education.

Ally Moore was the final senior Student of the Month recognized.

“Since eighth grade, with my stepmom, I’ve shown cattle and worked hard to earn my achievements in the showmanship industry,” she told the crowd. “Livestock showmanship requires a lot of hard work, but it is so worth it.”

With a love for animals, Moore began working at Thomasville Animal Hospital and has since decided to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian at the University of Georgia with the help of the Baldwin Scholarship.

Following a thunderous round of applause for TCC’s senior Students of the Month. Giddes recognized Brookwood’s students.

Thomas Beverly was the August Student of the Month.

Beverly began attending Brookwood in 2009, stating the school has played an integral role in shaping who he is today.

“Along the way, I have been blessed to have some especially impactful teachers who have supported and encouraged my academic success,” he said.

These teachers have shown Beverly how to be a leader inside and outside the classroom. With their guidance, Beverly has been accepted to Auburn University, where he hopes to pursue a career in medicine, wellness, or research.

Hutton Daniel was recognized as the September Student of the Month.

Daniel has also attended Brookwood since Pre-K and lauded the teachers for the education she has received, which has prepared her for the road ahead.

“I’ve been gifted with life-long experiences and lessons to help me grow into the woman I aspire to be,” she said.

While Daniel said she does not know what lies for her post-graduation, she is determined to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive change in the world.

The final senior recognized was Maggie Claire Richardson.

Richardson detailed her most proud moments, which consisted of mission trips throughout the United States, spreading the love of God and His word. Her dedication to God’s calling has led Richardson to take a gap year, where she will be utilized as a missionary in four countries across the globe.

Giddes and other Rotarians thanked all the seniors for their dedication to making a difference outside of the classroom and their representation of Thomasville Rotary Club’s dedication to service above self.