Pictured: Breanna Wollman (Photo by Angie Cleberg, United Way of NESD)
ABERDEEN, S.D. – As South Dakota’s first ever Bezos Scholar, Aberdeen Central High School senior Breanna Wollman is launching a project that will benefit the community and encourage more of her fellow students to give back.
Wollman was selected last spring as a Bezos Scholars out of more than 12,000 applicants nationwide. Now, she plans to introduce her community action project to enhance the CHS Golden Hour program at the upcoming Rachel’s Challenge event at CHS.
Wollman said the Rachel’s Challenge program is a great springboard for her project because it emphasizes the importance of kindness, empathy and gratitude.
“It installs those important characteristics in kids, and then the Bezos project, the Golden Hour, is how we act upon those characteristics,” she said.
Golden Hour projects involve CHS students performing volunteer work for area organizations. Past projects have typically involved specific groups, such as athletic teams or student clubs. Wollman’s project will expand the program to include super study classes, with transportation provided and approval to leave for projects during school hours.
Super study classes can choose their own project, or they can get ideas and resources from student representatives of Wollman’s project team.
While some classes might not take on a project, all will have the opportunity to do so. The goal, Wollman said, is to provide more students with the opportunity to get involved and give back.
“There are a lot of students who will walk through the door here every single day for four years and still not see the opportunities and have that sense of belonging here,” she said. “The disconnect that so many students feel—that breaks my heart because of the opportunities that Central has provided me.”
Active at Central High School
Wollman is active with Future Business Leaders of America and the Speech and Debate Team. She said both groups have helped her develop leadership skills, public speaking abilities and a passion for community service.
“If it wasn’t for the Speech and Debate team, I would have no idea how to use my voice or see the importance of being able to speak up,” she said.
Wollman has also received a lot of support from her family, including her parents, Joyce and Tony, and sister, Kaitlyn, a CHS sophomore. She said her parents, former Hutterites, did not go to high school.
“I think that’s been transformational on my journey because they didn’t have any huge expectation of me that some parents have,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to do anything I want, to make my high school experience whatever I want to, and that’s been phenomenal.”
The Bezos Scholars Program has also been very beneficial for Wollman. She attended this summer’s Aspen Ideas Festival with CHS teacher Kerry Konda, a Bezos Educator Scholar. She also received a $1,000 grant, which she will use for an awareness event for the Golden Hour project.
The Bezos program has provided personal development resources for now and the future. Wollman’s future plans are to pursue a career in government, though she hasn’t decided on a college.
Advice for Other Students
For other students, Wollman has this advice: Don’t be afraid to apply for things.
When she first learned of the Bezos Scholars Program, it was intimidating because scholars were predominantly from the East and West Coast.
But she didn’t let that stop her—and neither should other students.
Said Wollman, “Just because you’re from South Dakota doesn’t mean you don’t have perspective and gifts to show.”
To learn more about the Golden Hour project, contact Aberdeen Central High School at 605-725-8100.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.