TAKING LEADERSHIP SERIOUSLY

Taking

Leadership Seriously

Who are the Student Body Co-Presidents? Why did they choose to serve? We asked a “serious” question: “Can the three of you talk about what your leadership experience has been and what drew you to running for the student presidency?”

Hunter Bledsoe ’23

Freshman year I did not see myself becoming involved in any type of leadership role. It was Mrs. Dominici ’92 and the Student Ambassador program that helped me become the leader that I am. Through their encouragement I realized I wanted to volunteer more. Performing acts of service and actively doing things around the school taught me you don’t have to be a vocal leader.

“You can lead by example and that’s what I try to do.”

Emery Messenger ’23

I always knew I wanted to be a part of leadership at Justin-Siena. As a freshman, since there weren’t many formal opportunities for student leadership, I found little things around campus in which to get involved. Those activities included Homecoming and helping out during prayer services. When Covid hit, I was asked to do a seminar for the faculty to offer feedback on what was working well on ZOOM, and what wasn’t. I was really flattered to be asked to have that conversation with the faculty and have them take me, a student, seriously.

“My hope as a leader now, is for Justin-Siena to be a place that gives all students a respected voice.”

Camille Thomason ’23

Going into freshman year, I was really shy and it was a goal of mine to change that. After the second quarter, Mrs. Dominici ’92 and Ms. Alexander-Short ’07 asked us what our goals were and I said, “I want to do better, because I’m not quite at my best yet.” From there, they always pushed me to leave my comfort zone and step into a leadership role. The teachers and faculty here truly have your back and help you succeed. Being in SSL (Senior Servant Leadership) this year taught me how Jesus led by doing, and now I’m more of an “action’’ person.

“I do my best to model what leadership is–not just give a speech.”