Grafton High School seniors Brogan Ringgold and Juhi Jha were recognized as the Students of the Month by the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Graton at its weekly lunch meeting on Dec. 14 at the Peter Wollner American Legion Post. “Both of these students were integral to the success of our “Every 15 Minutes” program conducted in October,” said Scott Mantei, Grafton High School principal. “This was a huge undertaking by these students demonstrating their strong leadership skills and commitment to the community.” “Every 15 Minutes” is a nationwide program designed to dramatically challenge students to think about the consequences of driving impaired or distracted. It involves the creation of a video and mock accident demonstration presented to students and the community at large. “We felt this was a natural connection to Rotary since they generously donated $3,000 to this project,” said Mantei. The video, available on youtube.com, has already received 14,000 views.
Ringgold is the senior class president and co-president of the student council. He is a student ambassador for the Grafton Education Foundation, participates in choir competitions, and is involved in Grassroots North Shore, a political action committee dedicated to voter education. He is also employed at Coco Tree Confectionery.
Jha is the president of HOSA, an organization for future health professionals, and is co-president of the student council. She is currently the lead volunteer trainer at Aurora Health Care as an Ozaukee Youth Apprentice.
The Rotary award is given monthly, alternating between Cedarburg and Grafton High Schools, to students who demonstrate hard work through school, employment, or other activities. The students receive a $50 chamber gift check for their own use, and a $50 donation is made in their name to a charity of their choice. Ringgold designated his donation go to “When We All Vote,” an organization that encourages citizens to vote. Jha chose the American Heart Association for her donation.
Pictured are Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton president Mike Herbrand, left, with Students of the Month Juhi Jha and Brogan Ringgold, Grafton High School Principal Scott Mantei, and Grafton School District Superintendent and club member Jeff Nelson. Photo and video credit, Cindy Petted.