Centennial High School’s (CHS) Interact Rotary Club and JJ’s Legacy partnered to launch the “Got the Dot” Leadership Program, educating students and the community on organ and tissue donation this year.
CHS had 41 students participate in the learning sessions. They also produced videos on organ and tissue donation education and outreach while competing for scholarships.
Lucas Caceres and Alam Arbab, CHS Leadership participants, said the program was a great experience that gave them a new perspective on the issue and opened their eyes to the need for donors.
The first place prize for best educational video went to Azriella Del Rosario and Elmae Fredrick. These two students each received a $500 scholarship to further their education.
The second place team consisted of Victoria Brookings, Olivia Dennis, Kenna Dinsdale, Audra McLeon, and Christian Munoz. Each team member received a scholarship in the amount of $250.
Members of the first and second place teams were also invited to the JJ’s Legacy 8th Annual Gala on March 4, 2017, where they were introduced to the audience and their award winning videos were shared.
Every student who completed the class received a special certificate as well as recognition from the offices of Senator Jean Fuller, Congressman David Valadao, Assemblyman Vince Fong, and Senator Andy Vidak.
Graduation festivities and the video competition were held February 23, 2017, at Lexus of Bakersfield.
This is the first program of its kind in the KHSD and JJ’s Legacy is looking to build on the outreach and education platforms these students have accomplished and expand the program next year.