By Levi Lee
The JEGNA KLUB Student of the Week Award is not just about academics and athletics—it’s about celebrating the heart, courage, and leadership that young people bring to their schools and communities. Inspired by the Ethiopian concept of a “Jegna,” meaning someone who defends and nurtures their people with wisdom and integrity, the award seeks students who embody Justice, Empowerment, Growth, Nurturing, and Advocacy. This week, the award goes to a remarkable young leader, Christian Gallegos, a student at Sumner Academy who stands as a true Jegna among his peers.
Recognizing Exceptional Qualities
Each week, the Jegna Klub Student of the Week highlights a student who embodies these core values:
• Justice: Standing up for fairness and equity.
• Empowerment: Inspiring others through actions and leadership.
• Growth: Showing personal and academic development and helping others do the same.
• Nurturing: Supporting and caring for others.
• Advocacy: Leading by example for their peers and community.
Through these values, the Jegna Klub celebrates students who contribute beyond the classroom, making a lasting impact on their peers and communities.
This Week’s Awardee: Christian Gallegos
This week, Christian Gallegos receives the Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award. Nominated by his teacher, Ms. Emma Brann, Christian is recognized not only for his academic excellence but for his resilience and leadership. Despite facing the profound hardship of losing his father at a young age, Christian has risen above his circumstances to become a role model for others.
“Christian has overcome multiple major hardships in his young life, but he continues to shine as a leader and role model,” shared Ms. Brann. “He is a dedicated leader in orchestra, tennis, and the teaching pathway at Sumner Academy. He’s also a lead intern at The Learning Club KCK, and hopes to become a secondary music teacher. Christian is respectful, kind, open-minded, and driven. I cannot wait to see what he does in the future.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
The Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award, presented by Judge Tony Martinez, aims to reinforce each student’s path toward leadership and advocacy. During the award presentation, Judge Martinez spoke to Christian and the Sumner Academy community about the importance of resilience and hope.
“You never know what someone has gone through,” Judge Martinez remarked. “The power of hope—to continually move forward in a positive manner despite whatever ills you have faced—is invaluable. Christian’s recognition today should give him a boost in his career pursuits. It’s a reminder that his efforts are seen and appreciated.”
Christian’s response was filled with gratitude, and the pride on his face showed how much this moment meant to him. “The experience was reassuring for him,” noted Coach Keyz, the Jegna Klub Student of the Week Facilitator. “It was clear just how much he appreciated this acknowledgment of his resilience and leadership.”
Impact on Christian and the Community
For Christian, this recognition has been a significant milestone. “Being recognized like this has given Christian a new level of encouragement to keep going,” said Judge Martinez. “I think it’s powerful for him to know that he’s being seen and appreciated. He was extremely happy on Monday.”
Coach Keyz emphasized how moments like this can positively reinforce students, especially those who have faced personal trials. “A positive takeaway from today is giving a young man a pat on the back for all he’s endured. We want our students to know they’re not alone, and that we, as a community, stand with them.”
About the Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award
The Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award is an initiative that celebrates young leaders within the Wyandotte County Kansas City, Kansas community. Students in grades K through college are eligible if they demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and advocacy, excelling not only in academics but also in their contributions to their school and community. Each week’s winner is carefully chosen from nominations submitted by staff members or other non-relatives, who can submit a student’s name through the Jegna Klub’s website by each Friday.
To Nominate a Student: Visit www.thejegnaklub.org and click on “Nominate Student of the Week.” Fill out the nomination form and submit it by Friday at 3:00 p.m. Each week’s winner is announced on Monday, giving students a chance to feel recognized and motivated as they embark on another week.
Through the partnership of the KCK Schools Foundation for Excellence, The Merc Co+op and community leaders like Judge Martinez, the Jegna Klub continues its mission to empower young leaders. For Christian Gallegos, this award serves as a powerful reminder of his potential and the impact he’s already making as a role model. Congratulations, Christian—your journey as a Jegna has only just begun.
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