Three for one

Posted by Norm Bindon 
 

When Chris-Beth Cowie, from North Park Secondary School, spoke at our Club we received an unexpected bonus. Chris-Beth came to speak to us of her four months in Paraguay with the AFS Co-op Exchange Program.  Her trip was partially funded by the Rotary Club of Brampton. 

 

Our Club also sponsors an Interact Club at North Park. Chris-Beth is Vice President. 

 

North Park has a strong and socially active Student Council. Chris-Beth is President for the 2005-2006 school year.

Chris-Beth spent February to May 2004 in Paraguay.  She was to be an assistant to the English teacher in a school for children from very low income families.  She ended up as the only English teacher, in fact the only English speaking person in the school. 

 

It sounds a cliché to say a service opportunity in a foreign country is a life changing adventure.

For Chris-Beth it was. Her daily interaction with the street kids on her journey from school was one of the highlights of her time in Paraguay. She has changed her University and life goals toward working in International Aid Programs.

 

Student Council is an important element of high school life. In many areas the Student Council achieves co-management with the Principal.  Many wanted Chris-Beth to be Council President but she would be away during the very important campaign period. It didn't matter. The students clearly wanted the best representation available. Chris-Beth was elected President in absentia.One of her goals is to have the student service clubs and the student council work effectively as partners.

 

Chris-Beth has been a member of the Interact Club of North Park since its inception. This year she will again be Vice-President.  The Club is one of two sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brampton. She arranged for a number of students to assist at Thunder Run and is committed to helping us whenever called upon.

International Service, Rotary Interact and Student Council; it makes us proud to be associated with someone who, at such a young age, has recognized that 'Service Above Self' is not just a slogan.