CLEARLAKE ? A special day approaches, that will assist in providing a future community leader with an opportunity to advance her leadership skills. This weekend Lakehouse Inn Bistro (formerly the Lamplighter) will host “Savannah Sunday,” 5 to 9 p.m. with 10 percent of dinner revenues directed toward the Savannah Leadership Conference Fund.
Savannah Koch, 12, is a seventh-grade student at Oak Hill Middle School who has been invited to attend a leadership conference in Boston. Invitation to the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) was extended exclusively to young scholars who have attended the JrNYLC in Washington, DC.
“This conference will build on the skills I was given at the last one. Basically it will go deeper into leadership” Savannah said. “And this time, we will get to go the Freedom Trail and other landmarks and historical sites in Boston.”
Savannah not only felt the disappointment of not being able utilize her first invitation but she also felt the gratification of hard work, determination and perseverance. “I was nominated a few years ago by my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Robann Hill, for my leadership abilities and excellent grades. I was unable to attend due to a lack of funding and had to postpone my attendance for a year,” Savannah said. “Luckily, through a recycling effort and generous donations from family members, I raised the money. I had the best time ever in Washington and learned the true meaning of leadership.”
In the face of poor economy, Savannah is extending her fund-raising efforts to the community. “Unfortunately, due to the tougher economy, I fear that donations from relatives will not be as large as last year. Also, since it”s getting colder, recycling won”t be coming in such large amount,” she said, adding that this year”s trip will cost more. “This is why I am requesting the help of the community. In order to avoid postponing this year, I must have the tuition paid no later than Dec. 8. I would greatly enjoy continuing my experience with the JrNYLC and I hope the community will help me in my efforts.”
Lakehouse Inn & Bistro is stepping to the plate to help Savannah in her quest. The restaurant”s new owners Lynn and Mike Rossman said they are eager to contribute to the well-being of the community and its residents. “Even though we are a business, we are still citizens. We have a responsibility to do everything we can think of to make Clearlake and Lake County the places people want to visit, live in and enjoy. Even though we don”t reside in Clearlake, our business resides there and we”ve been fortunate to become acquainted with so many of the people. They have been kind and generous in their support of our new business, which we greatly appreciate. We want to reciprocate in whatever way we can to support the community and its people,” Lynn Rossman said. “Savannah has done an incredible job of developing her skills and talents. She shows promise as a positive leader. She deserves everyone”s support in achieving her goals.”
Savannah has been a shining star for the Konocti Unified School District. Last spring she represented in the district and Pomo Elementary School admirably in the county spelling bee. After winning at the county level, she went on to represent the county in the state spelling challenge in which she placed 10th among a field of the state”s top 61 elementary school spellers.
Reservations are recommended for Savannah Sunday; however, they are not required. To make a reservation, please call the Lakehouse Inn Bistro at 994-2129. To make a donation directly, please call the Koch family at 994-8770 or 350-0705.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
