“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.”
— Tom Peters
One common denominator in the youth who make up the Carroll White REMC Junior Board of Directors is their ability to recognize opportunity. When asked to serve on the REMC Junior Board, the selected students didn’t pull down the shade when opportunity knocked on their door.
Lily Bennett, daughter of Adam and Mandy Bennett, is a senior at Winamac High School. The family lives in Winamac. She has one sibling, Carson Bennett.
“I’ve had a few friends who were on the Junior Board of Directors, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to help develop leadership skills in our community,” said Bennett. “I want to continue learning about myself, businesses within the community, and personal skills that will help me in college and the workforce.”
“Last year, I learned about my personality type and strengths/weaknesses,” said Bennett. “I think this will help me in the future as I learn what career options would be best for me.”
“Through this experience, I’ve met and gotten to know some really intelligent and unique people from schools around me,” said Bennett. “It has been so much fun to see my Junior Board friends at sporting events and even theater productions.”
“I would encourage other students to join the Junior Board of Directors because you will have so many opportunities to meet fellow students and develop together,” noted Bennett. “It’s such a fun and worthwhile experience.”
At Winamac High School, Bennett plays basketball and is a cheerleader. She runs cross country and track. She is in Student Council, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Sunshine Club.
Following graduation, Bennett plans to attend college and get a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She is currently looking at Purdue University, Indiana University, or Butler University. After she receives her college degree, she plans to continue her education to get a doctorate and become an anesthesiologist.
Karley Hammond is a junior at Carroll Jr. Sr. High School and the daughter of Kevin and Jill Hammond. The family lives in Burlington. Her siblings include Kyle, Kurtis, Jared, Kailey, Kelsey, and Landon Hammond. Like many other students who are part of the REMC Junior Board of Directors, Hammond heard about this opportunity from others and knew she wanted to be part of the program.
“Through this experience, I hope to impact my community positively, as well as develop my skills in a business environment,” said Hammond.
“I would like REMC members to know that I am hardworking and a determined person who loves helping my community through the Junior Board,” said Hammond. “I think it is an amazing program, and I am very thankful for this opportunity.”
“I would encourage other students to join the REMC Junior Board because it is such a great program for us,” said Hammond. “It provides new opportunities to give back to the community and gives you experiences that you will use later in life.”
Hammond loves music, art, and running. She plays volleyball and is a member of Carroll’s Art Club, Spanish Club, and Cougars for Christ.
Hammond plans to attend Purdue University and get a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.
A junior at Winamac Community High School, Claire Goodman is the daughter of John and Kristine Goodman of Winamac. Claire’s siblings are Maddy and Alice Goodman.
“I wanted to join the REMC Junior Board to become even more involved in the community and learn about local businesses,” said Goodman. “I have been excited to meet new friends and learn about the communities of the other Junior Board members.”
“I would like REMC members to know that this program is very helpful to students and is great exposure to many different jobs and career-building skills before we head off to college,” said Goodman. “Thank you for providing this opportunity.”
“I would encourage other students to join the REMC Junior Board because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and find what you really want to do and what interests you have,” said Goodman.
At Winamac High School, Goodman runs cross country and track. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Athletic Leadership Council, the National Honor Society, and Sunshine Club. She is also the stage manager for all the plays and musicals at Winamac High School.
Following high school graduation, Goodman hopes to attend Purdue University and major in Kinesiology. She would like to be a physical therapist.
