Jaedyn Wayland and Jaela Campbell were chosen as student members of the Rotary Club for October. They will represent the Chandler High School senior class at the service club’s weekly meetings.
Jaedyn, the daughter of Billy and Christina Wayland, has three siblings and her father operates Bill Wayland Construction.
She has prepared for life after high school by taking Advanced Placement classes, taking on leadership roles and taking on extra responsibilities not only at school, but also at home.
Jaedyn has been captain of the Pom Squad for two years, is an active member of Positive Peers, is a Food Pantry volunteer, is a Special Olympics volunteer, has installed fire alarms for the Red Cross as well as donated money to buy Christmas gifts for less fortunate families.
She believes in putting the needs of others in front of her own, believing service above self means to truly give from the heart, even when no one is watching, and not expecting anything in return.
Jaedyn said attending the Special Olympics in her sophomore year was the mostly humbling experience she had ever had.
Her job through Business People of America was to help kids stay goal oriented and to get them ready for their events.
She reported one boy, who was one of the youngest in her group, was someone she knew. He had a little trouble walking so she volunteered to help him, carrying him if he needed the help.
Jaedyn said she enjoyed every minute spent helping him and assisting all of the kids accomplish their goals.
It was then she realized all of the children were looking up to her as their leader and role model, especially when she realized that putting in the work to help them really influenced their lives.
“To me it is not about getting anything return,” she said, “it is about the true impact you leave on them.”
Following graduation Jaedyn plans to attend Rose State College where she will pursue a career in the medical field, possibly nursing.
Jaela, the daughter of Harold Burgess, has five siblings.
In preparation for life after high school, she has taken both the ACT and SAT exams and has toured colleges as she explores her options for further education.
Jaela has given back to her community by volunteering at the Food Bank, taking goods to the Ronald McDonald House on two occasions, and donated blood.
She believes making a positive change starts with a solid foundation of character and the willingness to want to do good.
During the Thanksgiving season the youth group of which she was a part prepared a Thanksgiving meal for a family going through some hard times.
Jaela believes being involved in God’s work makes an impact, not only on the ones being helped but also herself.
“I want to make a positive mark on the world,” she said.
Jaela went on to recall a Valentine Day a few years ago when her church youth group decided to do something extra special to show love and let people they were being remembered.
The group made cookies and put together “goodie” bags. Then, as a surprise, they went to the cafeteria in Sparks where a large group of retired friends were having brunch. As the older group was eating, the young people hugged each one and gave them a bag of love.
“Reminding people they are loved is beautiful,” she said. “Making a change starts with me and to me that is an important and special responsibility when becoming a young adult. The more you inspired, the more lives you change.”
Following graduation, Jaela plans to attend Oklahoma State University where she will pursue a career in Communication Sciences and Disorders.