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Last Tuesday, Rotary members gathered at the Kirbo Center for their weekly luncheon meeting. President Tommie Howell opened the session, welcoming Heidi Chambers, a Bainbridge High School English teacher, to speak on the Laws of Life Program.

Chambers thanked the Rotary Club for their invitation and sponsorship, acknowledging the BHS English teachers as the “backbone of the program” and Howell’s role as the liaison between Rotary and BHS. She provided an overview of the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, a statewide initiative to help students reflect on their values and principles. Chambers explained that the contest aims to encourage young people to articulate their personal beliefs in writing and live by them.

For the 2024-2025 Georgia Rotary Club Laws of Life Essay Contest, 30,394 essays were submitted by students across 65 partner high schools. Chambers then proudly announced the BHS Laws of Life essay winners:

• Jaydn Mitchell (9th grade)
• Amari Thompson (10th grade)
• Patricia Oliver (11th grade)
• Kenton Jordan (12th grade)

Jaydn Mitchell’s essay explored themes of fear, perseverance, and triumph, using a Lego set as a symbolic object. Initially overwhelmed by the number of pieces and the possibility of failure, she found encouragement from her mother, pushing her to begin the task. As she built step by step, her doubt transformed into empowerment, reinforcing Lao Tzu’s wisdom: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Her essay emphasized resilience and determination, turning fear into personal growth.

Amari Thompson shared a deeply personal journey of adversity, family support, and emotional strength as her mother battled cancer. She reflected on moments of uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming responsibility, particularly in caring for her siblings. Despite the challenges, her essay underscored hope and resilience, highlighting strength in the darkest of times.

Patricia Oliver focused on the loss of a loved one and the resilience that follows. Her father was her anchor, providing stability and comfort, and his presence was unshakable. She recalled a cherished moment with him, recognizing that life doesn’t grant second chances. Carrying forward his wisdom and encouragement, Oliver found ways to reconnect with loved ones, embracing determination and resilience, with her father’s guidance remaining present in spirit. Her essay urged readers to treasure time with loved ones and enjoy every moment together.

Kenton Jordan reflected on self-acceptance and identity, navigating life without a father and how it shaped her view of family. Although she never felt concerned about her father’s absence, the pity and assumptions from others led her to question whether she was missing something. When her mother asked if she wished she had a father, Jordan realized she felt happy and content with her mother’s love alone. Her essay emphasized appreciation for the people already in one’s life, highlighting the shift from doubt to gratitude.

Following the student presentations, Howell returned to the podium to honor Chambers with the Paul Harris Fellow award, an esteemed Rotary International recognition for contributions to the Rotary Foundation. He also presented the students with Rotary Club certificates, celebrating their achievements.

The meeting concluded with Howell leading the pledge and reciting the Rotary Creed, marking the end of a memorable event that honored young writers and their reflections on life’s guiding principles.