Celebrating Francine Chance: This Week’s J.E.G.N.A. Klub Student of the Week Award Winner

This week, we proudly honor Francine Chance, a 4th grader at Grant Elementary, as the Jegna Klub Student of the Week. Francine exemplifies the core values of the award—leadership, responsibility, and advocacy—through her actions, as highlighted in the nomination submitted by her teacher, Brianna Nelson. Francine’s determination to pay for her orchestra instrument using her chore money, despite being told her balance would be covered, showcases her sense of responsibility and pride. Nelson remarked, “I am so proud of her responsibility and pride in her ability to meet her financial obligations.”

Francine’s story of perseverance is an embodiment of what it means to be a Jegna, a term rooted in Ethiopian culture that refers to someone who demonstrates courage, dedication, and commitment to uplifting their community. In recognizing students like Francine, the Jegna Klub reimagines the acronym J.E.G.N.A. to reflect the following values:

• Justice: Standing up for fairness and equity in their school or community.

• Empowerment: Inspiring and uplifting peers through actions and leadership.

• Growth: Demonstrating personal and academic development while helping others grow.

• Nurturing: Providing support and care for others with empathy and responsibility.

• Advocacy: Leading by example, not just for themselves, but for their peers and community.

This framework highlights the intangible qualities that make a student like Francine stand out, reinforcing that academic and athletic achievements are important, but so too are acts of character that shape future leaders.

Presentation by Maurice Brewer, Attorney at Law

Maurice Brewer, a respected attorney and community advocate, had the privilege of presenting the award to Francine. He noted how this type of recognition motivates students to make good choices even when no one is watching. “The students genuinely seemed happy and thoughtful when cheering on their classmate,” said Brewer. “These moments show that even the smallest actions can make a big difference and that character matters.”

Brewer emphasized the importance of positive reinforcement, particularly for young people, explaining that recognition of small acts like Francine’s sends a powerful message to her peers: “Good choices matter, and people notice when you act with responsibility and leadership, even when you aren’t expecting a reward.”

The Meaning Behind the Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award

The Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award, supported by the KCK Schools Foundation for Excellence, seeks to recognize students who excel not only in academics, behavior, and attendance but also in their leadership and advocacy. Each week, students from kindergarten through college in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, who embody the qualities of a Jegna—justice, empowerment, growth, nurturing, and advocacy—are nominated by teachers or non-relative adults.

By showcasing students who demonstrate integrity, empathy, and dedication to their community, the award serves as a reminder that true leadership isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about small, consistent acts of responsibility and advocacy, like those Francine demonstrated in her desire to contribute to her orchestra participation.

How to Nominate a Student

If you know a student who embodies the spirit of a Jegna, you can submit a nomination by visiting the Jegna Klub website (www.thejegnaklub.org) and completing the form on the homepage. Nominations must be submitted electronically by Friday at 3:00 pm to be considered for the following week. The Jegna Klub Student of the Week is selected from the pool of nominations, and students who are not selected are eligible to be nominated again in subsequent weeks.

The Jegna Klub Student of the Week Award provides an incredible opportunity for teachers, staff, and community members to uplift and encourage the next generation of leaders. As Francine’s story demonstrates, even small acts of responsibility and leadership can have a significant impact on both the individual and their community.

Congratulations, Francine!

Congratulations again to Francine Chance for her outstanding commitment to her education, responsibility, and her peers. Your actions reflect the core values of justice, empowerment, growth, nurturing, and advocacy—qualities that define a true Jegna. Keep leading by example, and continue to inspire those around you!