Nov 18 Meeting
One of the highlights of our meetings, is having Student of the Month from MCAT. This month our student Josh Espinosa blessed us by coming in not just with his parents and stepmother but brother Paul and girlfriend Whitney Covert Wilson.
Josh Espinosa came to MCAT in August 2014 with only 2.5 credits earned as a Junior (typically juniors have earned 12 credits). His first quarter with us was a bit rocky as Josh got used to being in school again. He had been suspended for 75 days from MVHS and did not attend school for the spring semester 2014. He also was on diversion and had to report to a Community Justice Board on a regular basis. Once Josh settled into MCAT we began to see improvements with his behavior and grades, with Josh passing all of his classes last Quarter.
This Quarter, Josh is no longer on probation and has continued to make positive changes in his life. He is well liked and a role model for other students. He currently has straight As and is working hard to maintain those grades. His post high school goal is to work in law enforcement and he is considering joining the junior explorers program through Marana PD to get experience in this field. Way to go Josh!!!
Our guest speaker was Myron L. Donald of the Tucson Sunrise Rotary Club (member for 27 years). With November 11 being Veterans Day, what better way to honor our Veterans than to have a POW vet speak to us. It was hard to tell his story in 30 minutes or less, but Myron did a great job. Can you imagine being in your early twenties, on his 73rd combat mission, being shot down with his parachute landing in a rice paddy and then being taken captive for over five years (+1800 days). I remember reading about the Hanoi Hilton, where many of our men spent years in this large prison camp, but to hear someone’s story first hand, sent me back in time. Our club was honored to have such an Myron Donald speak at our club and hope that he can come back soon to tell us more about his journey from being a young man in Hanoi to this unique gentleman that stood before us today.