Comments on: Awards benefit students, society http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/2009/01/04/awards-benefit-students-society/ The metro columnist writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:04:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Bobby Buck http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/2009/01/04/awards-benefit-students-society/#comment-2190 Bobby Buck Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:08:07 +0000 http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/?p=779#comment-2190 Shanna, I would like to add kudos to another bunch of young people I have observed in my day-to-day activities, and that would be the R.O.T.C. participants going to and from at William Fleming. Now, there are other young ones I see standing at bus stops in uniforms, maybe going or coming from other schools, and they all reflect a sense of positive commonality, race notwithstanding, and that is neatness, self-esteem, discipline, and confidence. I am not indirectly bashing those young people that don't exhibit these qualities in moving ahead in this highly competitive society, but it appears the ROTC gives a heads up, as well as a good running start. I might be somewhat biased, being ex-military, but it sure brought a sense of direction to my life. Shanna,

I would like to add kudos to another bunch of young people I have observed in my day-to-day activities, and that would be the R.O.T.C. participants going to and from at William Fleming. Now, there are other young ones I see standing at bus stops in uniforms, maybe going or coming from other schools, and they all reflect a sense of positive commonality, race notwithstanding, and that is neatness, self-esteem, discipline, and confidence. I am not indirectly bashing those young people that don't exhibit these qualities in moving ahead in this highly competitive society, but it appears the ROTC gives a heads up, as well as a good running start. I might be somewhat biased, being ex-military, but it sure brought a sense of direction to my life.

]]> By: Henry Hale http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/2009/01/04/awards-benefit-students-society/#comment-2189 Henry Hale Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:13:33 +0000 http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/?p=779#comment-2189 It is good that students are being recognized, monetarily, for their civic-minded activities. Even though one should be focused on doing these acts without any expectation of reward, it is very beneficial to assist these young people in their educational pursuits. Also, most would agree that this sort of service instill a sense of selflessness in the people who engage in it and makes him or her much better people. As more and more people choose to get involved in volunteerism, society will be blessed with much more caring and loving individuals. It is good that students are being recognized, monetarily, for their civic-minded activities. Even though one should be focused on doing these acts without any expectation of reward, it is very beneficial to assist these young people in their educational pursuits.

Also, most would agree that this sort of service instill a sense of selflessness in the people who engage in it and makes him or her much better people. As more and more people choose to get involved in volunteerism, society will be blessed with much more caring and loving individuals.

]]> By: Ed S. http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/2009/01/04/awards-benefit-students-society/#comment-2187 Ed S. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:48:47 +0000 http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/shannaflowers/?p=779#comment-2187 Great column, Shanna. It is good to see recognition for these types of activities. They have always been around, but often less reported. Also good to see is increasing "support" for these activities. I think it will reap more than simply recognizing those who support their communities/causes; We will likely find that the people who take personal initiative and personal time for these activities are the "go-getters" who are more likely to get out and make a difference in everything they do. It's not just supporting what we feel is a good cause, it is actually putting rubber to the road and *making* something (anything) happen. Too often we're content to argue about doing something. It is those who get something done that are keeping things going. <strong>That's exactly what "If Not Me, Then Who?" is about...taking the skills of career and applying them to civic action to effect community change---s</strong> Great column, Shanna. It is good to see recognition for these types of activities. They have always been around, but often less reported. Also good to see is increasing "support" for these activities. I think it will reap more than simply recognizing those who support their communities/causes; We will likely find that the people who take personal initiative and personal time for these activities are the "go-getters" who are more likely to get out and make a difference in everything they do. It's not just supporting what we feel is a good cause, it is actually putting rubber to the road and *making* something (anything) happen. Too often we're content to argue about doing something. It is those who get something done that are keeping things going.

That's exactly what "If Not Me, Then Who?" is about...taking the skills of career and applying them to civic action to effect community change---s

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