Kyan Macdonald of Bridgton has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for November.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School student who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a monetary gift.

Parents: Binaca Hanson and William Macdonald

Activities: Student Summit president, Chess Club, Founder of Team Kyan

Hobbies: I like to read, work with computers, swim, and research current events.

Future plans: I plan to go to college and then possibly enlist in the Navy.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen? I believe that in order for one to be a good citizen you have to be involved in your community, respectful to others around you, and you must be able to respectfully disagree with people.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received that has made a difference in your life? When I was hospitalized for a lengthy period of time and things got really tough, my mom always told me “One thing, one day at a time.” That quote from my mom has stuck with me since I was 11 and will continue to be with me for the rest of my life. Whenever things are difficult or I have to make a tough decision, I always remind myself of her words.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher? I have multiple favorite teachers and I wouldn’t want to leave any out.  I will say that the best teachers I have had in my educational career have encouraged curiosity and given that curiosity room to grow in the classroom. They are invested in the success for all of their students. They see students as not just students, but people, too.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/community a better place? I try to always say “hello” to people or ask how they are because I believe that helps people be seen. I also try to thank my teachers, as well as our school custodian and people who work in the cafeteria because I appreciate the work they do for us.  

When I founded Student Summit with Ms. Shorty, we were trying to give students a platform to have their voices be heard and to bring forward the changes that they wanted at Lake Region High School.  I also hoped to elevate those concerns to school administrators because sometimes kids don’t have enough of a voice.  

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and why? Like a lot of my peers, I am really proud of what I have overcome. The adversity that I have faced has forced me to make some tough choices and those choices have given me the chance to grow.