Senior Annika Hauser-Brydon was honored as the October Rotary Student of the Month. She was chosen for her leadership abilities and academic record. Hauser-Brydon was excited to receive the award.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I also wasn’t totally surprised,” Hauser-Brydon said. “I didn’t realize that they were doing it so soon. I was like, oh man, I get to be in this at the beginning of the year. That’s super cool.”

Typically, the Rotary Students of the Month are invited to attend a luncheon. However, due to COVID-19 precautions, the ceremony was held virtually through a Zoom meeting. Although Hauser-Brydon didn’t get the typical experience, she was happy that she still got to celebrate her accomplishment.

“I thought the Zoom call was definitely more convenient,” Hauser-Brdon said. “You don’t have to drive anywhere, but I do think it would have been cool to have it in person. It would be a little special. But, what’s done is done and you can’t change it. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Hauser-Brydon was asked to choose a person of significance to accompany her on the call. She chose media specialist Dana Rider.

“She has been my mentor for my online class for the past four years, so I’ve gotten to know her really well,” Hauser-Brydon said. “She’s been there to support me both in my virtual course and as a student. I think she’s really helped me grow as a person.”

Hauser-Brydon was grateful to be recognized by the Rotary Club. When she was recognized for her achievement, she got to experience an actual Rotary Club meeting.

“I got to see what a real Rotary meeting is like. That was pretty cool because it’s just kind of something you hear about and then you get to participate in it. I definitely got some experience speaking in front of adults in that type of situation.”