Community Corner
‘A True Role Model’: St. Petersburg Star Student
We all know students who excel in academic, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one local resident who is having an impact in St. Petersb
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.
Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.
This submission comes from Jennifer Volpe who nominated Roweshawnah Newton of St. Pete. Volpe was her high school teacher and the two have remained close during Newton’s time in college.
Star local student’s name
Roweshawnah Newton
Star local student’s home state
Florida
How do you know the star local student?
I was her teacher her junior year of High School at Gibbs High in St. Pete. She then became my assistant for track and served that role junior and senior year. We are still in touch and she is graduating from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville In May with a degree in biology. She is the first female in her family to obtain a college degree.
Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?
Roweshawnah struggled in school. When we first met she said she didn’t like my small group instruction. I told her, “Too bad,” and we have been connected ever since. Roweshawnah worked on her own to obtain scholarships and funding for her education. She worked as a resident assistant and just resigned (and) became a member of a sorority. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts in biology and plans to continue in graduate school working toward a master degree in public health while studying for the MCAT. She doesn’t stop. She continues to push herself forward and she is a true role model.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?
Roweshawnah has been a person of wisdom in my life. Our relationship is reciprocal: student learns with teachers and teacher learns with student. She is an amazing young woman who deserves to be recognized.
Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future,Roweshawnah Newton!
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