The Leonardtown Rotary Club recognized Kevin Thompson for his meritorious Service Above Self. Service Above Self is the principal motto of Rotary, because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service. Kevin Thompson’s actions on the day of the shooting at Great Mills High School typify this motto.
On March 20, a gunman opened fire at Great Mills High School killing one student and wounding another before killing himself. In the face of this senseless tragedy, Kevin Thompson acted. Knowing that the students and faculty evacuated from the school would be reunited with family at the Forrest Technology Center in Leonardtown, Mr. Thompson closed Kevin’s Corner Kafe, his popular seafood restaurant, to concentrate on making lunches. He and his staff gave away 1,300 lunches to the students, staff, first responders and family members assembled at the Forrest Center that day.
Cathy Allen, St. Mary’s County Public School Board and Leonardtown Rotary member shared that staff said, “it speaks volumes about Kevin that the day of the shooting he wasn’t contacted for help but simply sprung into high gear and showed up with meals. He is an incredible human being who cares deeply for this community.”
Kevin was surprised with a certificate and Service Above Self coin by Leonardtown Rotary members who converged on Kevin’s Corner Kafe for a dinner to honor Mr. Thompson. The certificate, now proudly displayed in his restaurant, reads: In recognition of your Service Above Self to the students, faculty & families of Great Mills High School on that fateful day of March 20, 2018 from the grateful members of the Rotary Club of Leonardtown, MD. In reaction, Kevin stated that he had received many calls and thankyous but, “…never expected something like this.”
The Leonardtown Rotary Club is open to anyone who lives, works or plays in St. Mary’s County. The Club meets weekly on Thursday mornings at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. To learn more about the Club, contact Lisa Blackwell, Membership Chairman at 614-707-3866.