The City Rawlins is thrilled to announce that the first Community Builder Award has been presented to the Rawlins Middle School(RMS) to recognize the numerous civic-minded projects undertaken by students. Throughout the year, middle schoolers in Rawlins partake in several projects that contribute significantly to the quality of life in our community.
This is the first time that the City of Rawlins has awarded the new “Community Builder Award,” to recognize individuals and entities for their volunteer service; sponsorship and promotion of programs and events; outstanding service in the interest of the City; and for other contributions significant to Rawlins quality of life. This new program is part of the Strategic Plan implemented by the Rawlins City Council and aims to give volunteers the recognition they deserve for their efforts. Rawlins benefits from hundreds of volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to the community through spearheading their own projects and programs as well as coaching little league sports, serving on our numerous boards and commissions, working with victims of crime, supporting the local animal shelter and in so many other ways. We also want to recognize those who undertake their own projects and whose efforts happen behind the scenes.
Most recently, RMS students raised over $3,000 for the 21st annual Toy Drive benefiting Carbon County youth on Christmas. Before the Thanksgiving Holiday, the middle schoolers collected thousands of canned goods that they donated to the St. Vincent de Paul food bank. The RMS student council planned and hosted a Veterans Day assembly with performances and local speakers in early November. Students participate in the community cleanups held in the spring, with groups picking up litter and wind-strewn trash from Rawlins. Students also spearhead penny wars benefiting people battling Leukemia and “Pink Out” fundraisers to raise awareness for Breast Cancer in October. Their teachers tell us they’re always looking for more ways to give back.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon presented the first-ever Community Builder Award to RMS Principal Ryan Searle at the January 18th Rawlins City Council meeting.
Searle said the staff and faculty at RMS “realize what responsibility we have to help these kids learn not only math and science and English and the topics of school, but we need to teach them how to be good citizens, how to be good community members. I think a school is only as strong as a community, and a community is probably only as strong as its schools are, so I think we have a very big shared relationship and need to continue to work together.”
The award comes with a $100 donation to a nonprofit organization chosen by the winner. After consulting the middle schoolers, RMS officials tell us that their winnings will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County.
Congratulations Rawlins Middle School!
Nominations are now open, and all nominees will be considered! To submit the name of an individual, group, or organization or for more information, contact Mira Miller at 307-328-4500, ext. 1022 or email crelations@rawlinswy.org