Bradshaw, Brunson, and Patel recognized as Rotary Students of the Month
The Rotary Club of Thomasville recognized its Students of the Month on Thursday afternoon, presenting Katelyn Bradshaw of Thomas County Central, Mason Brunson of Brookwood, and Druhket Patel of Scholars Academy with a certificate, allowing them to share information about their future ambitions with the club.
A Senior at Thomas County Central High School, Bradshaw’s high school experience has been shaped by her extracurricular activities.
“Freshman year, I remember thinking this would be the slowest time and college would never come, but these activities I’ve been involved in have caused the time to fly by,” Bradshaw said.
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A Senior at Thomas County Central High School, Bradshaw’s high school experience has been shaped by her extracurricular activities.
“Freshman year, I remember thinking this would be the slowest time and college would never come, but these activities I’ve been involved in have caused the time to fly by,” Bradshaw said.
One of Bradshaw’s favorite activities she gets to partake in is YoungLife, a non-denominational Christian outreach program geared toward leading kids to Christ.
“On Monday nights, we host kids from around the community,” she said. “They also host Youth Hour at our school in the mornings, and it’s open to every kid at Thomas County Central.”
Bradshaw said participating in YoungLife has allowed her to make friends with students from across Thomasville.
“On Monday nights, we host kids from around the community,” she said. “They also host Youth Hour at our school in the mornings, and it’s open to every kid at Thomas County Central.”
Bradshaw said participating in YoungLife has allowed her to make friends with students from across Thomasville.
Bradshaw is additionally involved at her church, Thomasville First Methodist Church, where she serves in the children’s ministry.
“I teach Sunday School, and it’s been a great way to learn about leadership,” Bradshaw said.
She went on to say that while she may be the one teaching, the children have taught her more about herself.
Trending Thomasville High ready to showcase its One-Act Play selection for the community Tan reflects on Mount Kilimanjaro climb At school, Bradshaw stays active in Key Club, participating in service projects, such as SWAYJ, where individuals raise money to take younger students shopping so they can purchase gifts for their family members.
Through Key Club, Bradshaw and her fellow members also organize the annual Homecoming Powder Puff game and create the accompanying t-shirts.
She also stays busy with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she competes in various business sectors, including marketing and finance.
Through her involvement in FBLA, Bradshaw has found a passion for marketing and hopes to attend the University of Georgia and major in marketing.
“Overall, all of these activities have really shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “I would like to thank my guidance counselor and my parents for really pushing me, because I’ve learned what my passions are and how to best serve others.”
Bradshaw said she hopes to continue enjoying these activities at the University of Georgia.
With a rousing round of applause, Brookwood’s Brunson introduced himself.
A Senior at Brookwood, Brunson has a legacy rooted in peace and understanding through the Rotary Club.
Brunson’s great-great-grandfather, Will Watt Sr., was the previous Mayor of Thomasville and the founding member of the Georgia Rotary Student Program.
“It feels like a full circle moment to be here,” he said.
Much like his great-great-grandfather, Brunson is a natural leader.
Serving as the captain of his cross-country and tennis teams, Brunson has collected numerous accolades.
This past year, he was named the Boys’ Region Player of the Year for tennis and was a State Finalist in Boys’ Singles.
Some of Brunson’s other leadership positions include serving as President of the Honor Council, President of the Senior Class, and President of the Spanish Honor Society.
Bruson said he would have never had these achievements without his role models, including his parents.
“My parents have served as my primary role models, teaching me hard work and focus, but also the importance of kindness and compassion,” Bruson said.
Other mentors included Brunson’s teachers and coaches, who helped him develop characteristics that would help him not only succeed inside the classroom but also on the field.
Brunson said he is undecided on where he will attend college, but is considering Vanderbilt, Washington & Lee, the University of Virginia, and the University of Georgia, where he has a range of majors he’s deciding upon.
Rotarians chanted, “Go Dawgs!” upon hearing Brunson’s options, with a laugh and round of applause, Sergeant at Arms Chandler Giddes welcomed Patel as the final Student of the Month.
A Senior at Scholars Academy, Patel has also been shaped by his extracurricular activities, including HOSA, National Honor Society, Latin Club, and Rocketry Club.
In HOSA, Patel serves as a State Officer, representing chapters in the southernmost region of Georgia. There, he helps organize state events.
Patel said he couldn’t be the leader he is without the help of teacher Barbara Peralta.
“Mrs. Peralta is my HOSA advisor,” Patel explained. “She puts in an incredible amount of effort into ensuring all of her students succeed. She spends all of her Fridays, often working until midnight, helping us fundraise and driving me across the state because I’m a State Officer. I’m beyond grateful for all she does.”
Patel also has a passion for model rockets and recently founded Thomasville’s Rocketry Club, where they are competing in the American Rocketry Challenge.
When not traveling for HOSA or building rockets, Patel enjoys learning Latin. He has studied Latin for the past seven years, even competing at the National Junior Classical League Convention this summer.
“Latin has taught me the importance of the fine arts and classics,” Patel said.
Following graduation, Patel hopes to attend Georgia Tech and major in Aerospace Engineering and join their Rocket Team.
Giddes congratulated all of the students, wishing them well on their future endeavors, noting that Thomasville has a bright future with these students as the leaders of tomorrow.
“I teach Sunday School, and it’s been a great way to learn about leadership,” Bradshaw said.
She went on to say that while she may be the one teaching, the children have taught her more about herself.
Trending Thomasville High ready to showcase its One-Act Play selection for the community Tan reflects on Mount Kilimanjaro climb At school, Bradshaw stays active in Key Club, participating in service projects, such as SWAYJ, where individuals raise money to take younger students shopping so they can purchase gifts for their family members.
Through Key Club, Bradshaw and her fellow members also organize the annual Homecoming Powder Puff game and create the accompanying t-shirts.
She also stays busy with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she competes in various business sectors, including marketing and finance.
Through her involvement in FBLA, Bradshaw has found a passion for marketing and hopes to attend the University of Georgia and major in marketing.
“Overall, all of these activities have really shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “I would like to thank my guidance counselor and my parents for really pushing me, because I’ve learned what my passions are and how to best serve others.”
Bradshaw said she hopes to continue enjoying these activities at the University of Georgia.
With a rousing round of applause, Brookwood’s Brunson introduced himself.
A Senior at Brookwood, Brunson has a legacy rooted in peace and understanding through the Rotary Club.
Brunson’s great-great-grandfather, Will Watt Sr., was the previous Mayor of Thomasville and the founding member of the Georgia Rotary Student Program.
“It feels like a full circle moment to be here,” he said.
Much like his great-great-grandfather, Brunson is a natural leader.
Serving as the captain of his cross-country and tennis teams, Brunson has collected numerous accolades.
This past year, he was named the Boys’ Region Player of the Year for tennis and was a State Finalist in Boys’ Singles.
Some of Brunson’s other leadership positions include serving as President of the Honor Council, President of the Senior Class, and President of the Spanish Honor Society.
Bruson said he would have never had these achievements without his role models, including his parents.
“My parents have served as my primary role models, teaching me hard work and focus, but also the importance of kindness and compassion,” Bruson said.
Other mentors included Brunson’s teachers and coaches, who helped him develop characteristics that would help him not only succeed inside the classroom but also on the field.
Brunson said he is undecided on where he will attend college, but is considering Vanderbilt, Washington & Lee, the University of Virginia, and the University of Georgia, where he has a range of majors he’s deciding upon.
Rotarians chanted, “Go Dawgs!” upon hearing Brunson’s options, with a laugh and round of applause, Sergeant at Arms Chandler Giddes welcomed Patel as the final Student of the Month.
A Senior at Scholars Academy, Patel has also been shaped by his extracurricular activities, including HOSA, National Honor Society, Latin Club, and Rocketry Club.
In HOSA, Patel serves as a State Officer, representing chapters in the southernmost region of Georgia. There, he helps organize state events.
Patel said he couldn’t be the leader he is without the help of teacher Barbara Peralta.
“Mrs. Peralta is my HOSA advisor,” Patel explained. “She puts in an incredible amount of effort into ensuring all of her students succeed. She spends all of her Fridays, often working until midnight, helping us fundraise and driving me across the state because I’m a State Officer. I’m beyond grateful for all she does.”
Patel also has a passion for model rockets and recently founded Thomasville’s Rocketry Club, where they are competing in the American Rocketry Challenge.
When not traveling for HOSA or building rockets, Patel enjoys learning Latin. He has studied Latin for the past seven years, even competing at the National Junior Classical League Convention this summer.
“Latin has taught me the importance of the fine arts and classics,” Patel said.
Following graduation, Patel hopes to attend Georgia Tech and major in Aerospace Engineering and join their Rocket Team.
Giddes congratulated all of the students, wishing them well on their future endeavors, noting that Thomasville has a bright future with these students as the leaders of tomorrow.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.