A hero goes above and beyond normal duties to make sure our learning environment is the best it can be. This month, Jennifer Rodgers is recognized as a hero among us for organizing Dominion’s first International Youth Summit while simultaneously coaching the junior varsity basketball team and teaching several different classes.

            The International Youth Summit feature students representing many countries and cultures, such as China, Germany, Lebanon, Singapore, South Africa, and South Korea, as well as students from Dominion. Rodgers has been a huge influence on making sure this summit happens.

            Rodgers, along with several other teachers, discussed the idea of a summit three years ago and realized this idea could eventually become a reality through the Global Ambassadors Club. “I wrote a grant to pursue funding, helped with the Pepsi Refresh, and essentially became the teacher leader to set up the events and itinerary for the summit,” Rodgers said.

            Students alike agree that Rodgers has had a huge impact on the summit. “It was practically her vision and there is no way it could have happened without her,” summit participant Emile Khattar said.

            Rodgers hopes her efforts benefit students from around the world. She hopes the summit can accomplish the task of helping “young people around the world to connect on a personal level because we are more alike than we are different.”

            The dedication Rodgers shows to the well-being of the students is truly noteworthy as a hero within our school; this commitment was recognized by the administration when Rodgers was awarded the Truly Titan Award in the previous month’s awards assembly.

            On winning this award, Rodgers said, “It was a big honor and I feel really humbled. My being recognized has also represented the work of a lot of people who have helped with so many things.” Rodgers name Kim Wiss, Rachel Pardue, and Nathalie Khattar as staff members who have been very helpful to her.

            However, Rodger’s commitment to the school goes beyond the summit. She has been teaching several different classes including international relations, government, and global social issues. The most rewarding aspect of being a teacher is “learning from my students about their different backgrounds,” Rodgers said.

            In addition to being an involved teacher, Rodgers coached the junior varsity girls basketball team and recently concluded a successful season. It has been difficult to manage teaching, coaching, and planning the summit. Rodgers admits, “It required a lot of different things and sacrifices had to be made.”

            These sacrifices are what make Rodgers a hero within our school. Her dedication to coaching, teaching, and planning a youth summit that provides incredible opportunities for students makes her a standout member of the Dominion High School staff.