ROXANA - The Riverbend East Rotary Club recently recognized the Roxana High School April Service Above Self award winners-Keelan Crawford and Kylee Slayden.
Photo-Rotary President-Elect Patti Anderson presents Service Above Self certificates to Keelan Crawford and Kylee Slayden
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Keelan Crawford
Keelan is a Senior who has seemingly spent his high school career in constant motion. A standout multi-sport athlete, Keelan has competed in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Soccer, all while serving as a Student Ambassador and a leader among his peers.
To Keelan, "Service Above Self" is about the core of one's character. He believes it means putting the needs of others before his own and striving to be a "good, all-around person" within the community. He doesn't just want to be known for his stats on the field, but for the impact he leaves off of it and Keelan has done just that.
For the past two years, Keelan has been a vital part of the "Back to School" event held at the Keasler Center. This event is a lifeline for many local families, providing donated supplies to ensure every child starts the school year on equal footing. Keelan has also dedicated the last two years to working at the Junior Olympics, as well as volunteering for the Soapbox Derby and the Santa Shop.
Keelan's positive personality makes everyone feel welcome, at ease, and his smile is contagious. In total, Keelan has logged nearly 50 hours of dedicated service over the last three years. What keeps him coming back is the visible, positive impact these events have on the children in our community. He has realized that helping others has a reciprocal effect: by making the community better, you make yourself better in the process.
His advice to those coming up behind him is focused on the long-term benefits of giving back:"Helping out your community will have a positive effect on your life. It makes you feel better as a person and helps you build lasting relationships with people all across the area.”
Kylee Slayden
Kylee is a Senior at Roxana High School whose high school career has been defined by balance, grit, and a heart for others. Kylee is a rare four-year athlete in three different sports-Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer-proving her dedication on the court and the field. Beyond athletics, she has been a mainstay in the National Honor Society, Saturday Scholars, and a Student Ambassador.
For Kylee, "Service Above Self" means a willingness to put the needs of others above her own, even when it is difficult or inconvenient to do so. She doesn't just look for easy tasks; she looks for where the need is greatest and dives in, no matter how difficult or challenging it might be for her.
A standout moment in Kylee's service journey was her leadership in organizing a major fundraiser for Riverbend Family Ministries. She took the initiative to collect donations and essential supplies to support families in our area facing hardship. This wasn't just a one-time project for Kylee; her volunteer resume includes work with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and consistent help with the Special Olympics and Junior Olympics.
Her advice to the younger students following in her footsteps is simple: "Get involved with your community as much as you can. The kindness you show will come back around to you!"
