The Trenton Rotary Club convened on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the BTC Bank community room, where the rootEd program was the focal point of the meeting. Presided over by Jackie Soptic, the session included a prayer led by Dan Wilford, with Brian Upton serving as the sergeant at arms.
Program Chairman Kristi Harris introduced Kasey Bailey, the rootEd regional director for North Missouri. Bailey detailed how the rootEd initiative supports high school students in rural areas in shaping successful career paths after graduation. The program assigns college and career advisors directly to schools, working closely with students to outline and pursue future goals, whether through a college education, work-based learning, or military service.
The advisors engage with students to ensure that the courses they are currently taking align with their long-term objectives. Additionally, they assist with job and career exploration, college visits and applications, military options, and other post-graduation plans. Launched in 2018 in the Branson area, rootEd has since expanded across Missouri, including 14 schools in the northern region. Local schools such as Trenton, Gallatin, Milan, and Chillicothe are actively implementing the rootEd concept.
The program’s initial funding came from federal sources, which facilitated its establishment in Missouri. Due to its success, Governor Mike Parson has allocated funding in the state budget to sustain the program’s efforts. While rootEd has expanded to other states, Bailey emphasized that Missouri’s program is regarded as the “flagship” in aiding students to achieve career success after graduation.
In other business, the Rotary Club voted to sponsor a table at the District Foundation meeting on Nov. 9. Members were reminded of the upcoming annual Rotary fish fry scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Rock Barn, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase from any club member. The Aug. 29 “Fifth Thursday” meeting will be held at the Grundy County Museum, featuring a noon meal and meeting in the museum’s conference room, followed by a tour of the main building.
The program for the Aug. 22 meeting will be presented by Kendall Crowley, who will share insights from her recent internship in South Africa. Kristi Harris and Cathy McKay will serve as the program chairmen for the session.
