Our future leaders share their groundbreaking experience

This week's Grassroots Tehachapi, looks at an actual "grassroots" project ... through the eyes of young students.

The groundbreaking for the new sixth grade building at Jacobsen Middle School took place Nov. 15. Representatives and ASB leaders from the community's elementary schools were at the event and even got to help dig some of the first holes.

The new building is said to be 13,175-square-feet and will hold 10 classrooms.

I spoke to some of the students, and their enthusiasm for the project is uplifting and adorable.

Aubrey Hernandez, 10, is the ASB president at Tompkins Elementary. She said it was a lot of fun participating in the groundbreaking event. And she was happy it wasn't too cold outside for the first dig.

She said she thinks this building will help the new sixth grade students, especially when the weather is bad, since they won't have to travel from building to building as much.

Aubrey's favorite thing about ASB?

"I like helping," she said.

Autumn Heeb, 10, the student council president from Golden Hills Elementary, moved to Tehachapi in first grade. Her favorite part of being on the council is helping coordinate the student store and helping the younger kids fill out holiday grams throughout the school year.

She was happy to be part of the groundbreaking and said she had a good time, especially being one of the first to dig the hole.

Cummings Valley Elementary sent their ASB President, Jonah Shugart, 10, to represent the school.

"It felt like a big honor to be the only one from my school," he said.

Like Autumn, he loved the moment they were called up to shovel.

All three students agreed that this was going to be a great way for new sixth grade students to make the big transition from elementary school to middle school.

"Honestly, I think [this building] will make the school a little more welcoming. It will be nice and new and more comfortable for the students," Jonah said.

His favorite memory as ASB president happened just recently, when he presented the check from his school's canned food drive to The Salvation Army.

I was so impressed, listening to these kids talk about their community and their school experience. They are very driven to provide for their classmates and the students younger than them.

Keep an eye on these three ... I see great things in their future.

I asked each of them what they wanted to be when they grow up and their answers are perfect.

"I'm thinking about either the Air Force or working at a zoo," Jonah said.

"I'm going to be a professional soccer player or work for the FBI," Autumn said.

"I want to own my own bakery, or a village," Aubrey said.

By the way, Aubrey's s'mores cupcakes sound amazing.

Do you know an inspirational group, individual or program that should be featured in an upcoming Grassroots Tehachapi? Email me at [email protected].

See you next time and be kind to one another!