For Nepal RPCV Paul Rodgers, serving in the community isn't anything extraordinary; it's simply part of who he is.
Volunteer Junior Achievement teacher says helping others runs in his blood
By SHANDA CROSBY/Special to The Sun
For Paul Rodgers, serving in the community isn't anything extraordinary; it's simply part of who he is.
As owner of Cedar Creek Engineering in Winchester, Rodgers' demanding schedule and diverse responsibilities don't keep him from volunteering to teach Junior Achievement classes in the Clark County schools and coaching Math Counts at Clark Middle School.
Giving time to help others is in his blood.
"I was raised to understand volunteerism," he says. "Mom was a teacher and Dad was a scout leader and served in the Army. I come from a family of 10 children and almost all are teachers, school administrators or serve in the military. Feeling as if we ought to be serving others was part of what we were taught."
For volunteer-dependent programs like Junior Achievement, people like Rodgers are true blessings.
"Paul Rodgers has been a champion for Junior Achievement since the beginning," said Abra Endsley, senior district manager for Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass. "He not only volunteers for one or more classes each year, but he also makes an annual donation to make this program possible in Clark County schools."
Watching Rodgers at work in the classroom only confirms his avowed dedication to making a difference in his community. Teaching "Business in America" recently to a group of Strode Station fifth-graders, Rodgers brought the classroom alive with his spirited animation and his obvious knack for taking a stereotypically boring subject and making it interesting and fun.
The students eagerly participated in the discussion and hands-on activities, and when Rodgers' hour was over, they had a clearer concept of buying, selling, borrowing and investing - having fun all the while.
"Mr. Rodgers does a wonderful job working with the kids," said Strode fifth-grade teacher Kevin Kennedy. "The Junior Achievement program as a whole, and Mr. Rodgers specifically, are invaluable resources when it comes to teaching the kids the basics of economics and about life in the real world. As a successful businessman, his lessons and activities carry that much more authority with the students."
Indeed, one of the beauties of Junior Achievement is bringing professionals into the classroom to give the students the chance to have personal contact with community and business people and learn about their work experiences.
"Paul takes the Junior Achievement curriculum and makes it his own," Endsley said. "He shares his work and life experiences with the students. I think it is very important for students to see exceptional citizens like Paul, who not only work in the community, but contribute their time and energy to make it a better place."
As Math Counts coach at Clark Middle, Rodgers receives a double benefit.
"I like teaching math and the best part is, I get to be with two of my children who are on the team," Rodgers said. "I really enjoy that time with them."
In fact, Rodgers and wife, Karen, are instilling in their children - Michelle, 14, Eric, 12, and Avicia, 10 - the value of serving community.
The couple met during Peace Corps training after they graduated from college. While Rodgers was in Nepal, his future wife went off to Western Samoa. The two corresponded for two years before getting married after their term of service ended.
For Rodgers, volunteering is more than an inherent duty; it's enjoyable.
"There's a great deal of satisfaction in it and I have a lot of fun with it," he said. "I have been able to develop a relationship with many of the people who work in the schools and they are all delightful to work with. I love working with the students and it gives me a good feeling to think I have been of some help to them."
