It was an exciting day as 12 schools came together at NJPAC to exchange ideas, share friendship, and be trained as Jefferson Award High School Student In Action Leaders. The conference focused on team building, development of leadership skills, and youth ethics.
Mrs. Karen Hatcher, Director of Students In Action, gave a historical background on the Jefferson Awards, a Nobel Prize for public service in America. "In 1972, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft,Jr. and Sam Beard desired to honor Americans who have performed outstanding public service and inspire others to follow their example." She looked around the room and was deeply moved by the level of enthusiasm that filled the air. She was in the midst of young Student Achievers who were ready to become the new leaders of the next generation.
Guest Speaker, Mayor Christian Bollwage challenged the High School Student Leaders to become service champions by having a vision and working hard. Determination and a listening attitude were key to their success. He shared stories from his own experiences and journey to becoming a leader of the city of Elizabeth. The one important message that everyone walked away with was the knowledge that true leaders must have followers, even if it is only one or two people. Without followers, there is no movement. Happy Birthday Mayor Bollwage!
Guest Speaker, Mayor Christian Bollwage challenged the High School Student Leaders to become service champions by having a vision and working hard. Determination and a listening attitude were key to their success. He shared stories from his own experiences and journey to becoming a leader of the city of Elizabeth. The one important message that everyone walked away with was the knowledge that true leaders must have followers, even if it is only one or two people. Without followers, there is no movement. Happy Birthday Mayor Bollwage! Robert Provost of the Star Ledger shared an inspiring message regarding the importance of having BIG DREAMS. Mr. Provost said, "Small dreams have no power to move mountains... " He then encouraged the students to follow George Bernard Shaw's Vision for our world: "Some people see what is and ask, Why? I dream of things that never were and ask, Why not?" It is the latter dreams that move mountains. Lastly, he shared the ten most important two letter words in the English language. "If it is to be, it is up to me!"
Benedictine Academy was the first high school in New Jersey this past September to become a certified Jefferson Award Student In Action Service Leadership School. We continue to lead the way in forming our students to become leaders and to make our world a better place. A special thank you to Jefferson Awards, the Star Ledger and PC Richards for this amazing Student Leadership Workshop.
