Submitted by K.D., Gr. 4 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published December 18

Hi, I’m in fourth grade.  My age is nine.  In Scouts, they call me Eagle Eye because I see lots of things that other people don’t notice like when someone else needs a hug because they got hurt or something, I notice this and I try to cheer them up.

I help with my little sister as much as I can.  I taught her how to ride a bike and helped her to learn how to read.  I also taught myself how to ride a bike and read.

I home school so I am home a lot, I clean up for my mom a lot.  I do lots of chores like helping with the laundry, sweeping the floor and putting away groceries.

I help my community by picking up garbage and cans etc. whenever I am out walking around outside and especially at my beach.  I like to keep my world clean.

I help my older siblings by getting things for them and holding music sheets and stuff for them.

I also hand out flyers in my neighborhood for my church.

I also like to bake for my older siblings schools and for our good friends especially when my friends’ dad died this September of pneumonia.

Submitted by K.B., Gr. 12 Student from Barrhead, Alberta
Published December 17

Leadership is one of those special qualities that can define us as a world, as a nation and as an individual. Leadership inspires and creates. Leadership ignites the dreams that once seemed impossible. Leadership opens doors to opportunities within our community and nation that would otherwise just stay as an idea. Leadership unites together the weak and the strong, the black and the white or the rich and the poor to become something better.

From an early age I have always looked up to many leaders within my life. I always dreamed to make a difference but I didn’t think that I would ever be good enough. As I got older, I realized that leadership has nothing to do with being good enough, but it has everything to do with having passion and wanting to make a difference. From coaching swim club, leading songs for a local children’s program, to raising money for hungry children through World Vision, I have found a passion to be involved.

Throughout the years of being involved within my youth group I have seen many kids being left out and many who have become discouraged because of it. I decided that it was my responsibility as much as anyone else to create a bridge between the youth and befriend those who felt left out. I have enjoyed getting to know the kids on a more personal level and to reach out to them and be an example. They know that I’m not perfect, but it is so humbling to me to know that they trust me and are able to come to me with their concerns or problems. I have been able to encourage many of them through significant times in their lives, and more importantly, let them know that I am here and I’m cheering them on because they are special to me.

A new program started up at my high school, it’s called Advanced Portrait Photography. There are 8 photographers, including me, in grades 11 and 12 that have been given the opportunity, because of our leadership and technical skills, to take part in this program. We were able to take half of the grad photos in our school this year and learned a lot. Because this program just started this year, I, along with the rest of my class have an important job to set the foundation for those that will take the program later on. It’s exciting to lead the school into a new program that many students will benefit from in years to come.

Being a role model, being a friend and reaching out to those in need aren’t hard things to do, but they can make a world of difference in a person’s life. There is no age limit on being a leader, the only requirements are that you have to have a passion, a love and a heart to reach out and make a difference. To be honest, the more I get involved, the more I realize that as much as I touch others’ lives, they touch mine as well.

Submitted by T.M., Gr. 11 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published December 16

I feel that I strive for excellence in many ways, I always do my best in academic courses at school, and I take part in many different extracurricular activities such as, dancing, gymnastics, sewing and guitar. I strive to put forth my best effort in everything I do, and I am always trying to improve. I contribute to culture and the arts by being involved with dance (ballet, jazz and hip hop), and by being in French immersion. I think that being in French immersion relates to Canadian culture because a relatively large part of the population speaks French or is influenced by it.

I also volunteer every year at Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child, and I feel that this shows leadership because I am doing something to help others, and I strive to make our world a better place one step at a time. For me, volunteering is a great way to use your time because you are being productive, and helping people in need. I like trying new things such as, activities and sports, and I like being challenged to do my best at something new, or something that I've been working at for an extended period of time. I also enjoy working with kids in a school setting or even just babysitting, for example, because I like being a good role model for them, and someone for them to look up to.

Working hard at what I do is important to me, because I like to do my best and be happy with my work or improvement at something. I feel that being a leader in one way or another, and striving to do your best at anything you do is extremely important because it shows determination, and these habits will help you in the future by making you a stronger person at many different activities, experiences, etc.

Submitted by K.N., Gr. 12 Student from Edmonton, Alberta
Published December 15

I have learnt many things in my life; some things certain and others not. But the most valued piece of wisdom that has been awarded to me is the power people have. To under estimate deliverance, to question liberation or to ponder the fact of belief must be the most enchanting and privileged manner of being a human. To create an understanding of people is a learnt trait far worth learning, and that I have. There was a point in time when these methods were irrelevant to my routine and when my eyes were opened I discovered an entirely new status of truth and way of living that so inceptively developed my place in our community.

As a recovering drug addict, a past homeless youth and a survivor of self destruction I discovered liberty in the joy of people and promise in the sacrifice for a greater good. Raised in a home of diversity and opinion, I quickly grew a predilection toward the manipulation and down fall of our society. With that came the inclination of what I believed was my destiny: fighting for the little people.

And so it began, what would soon be a life of contended hope and passionate perseverance I began to reach new heights and conquer insurmountable limits. With the induction of the streets and the apostasy of a noxious drug habit, I found my personal experiences benefiting in the reconstruction of another. I suppose it began during my stay at the Youth Shelter, this is where I met the kids at my level and perhaps even steeper. Surrounded by a group of unforeseeable and vastly intelligent teenagers I began to find my path, the corruption spoke of by these friends had been untouched and unexamined for far too long, I needed to do something for them, I needed to give them a voice.

After nearly two years clean and sober, I applied and was accepted to the Youth Advisory Panel for the Ministry of Children Services and finally found my knack. There are many flaws in our world, personally in our province and perhaps society: this opportunity provided me with the chance to express my opinion, and provide action in an otherwise very slow and flawed system. The experience offered me a foot in the door to change and an incentive to promote and glorify the minorities of our world, the little people.

I have a lot of goals and aspirations. After graduating high school I hope to attend a Journalism program at Grant MacEwan, University of Alberta or Ryerson in Toronto. After I finish an under grad program I hope to be accepted into the IV League Journalism Grad Program at Columbia in New York City, all after publishing my first book, and traveling to war torn countries like Iraq and Somalia. With my joy of writing and my talent in speaking, journalism always seemed like the best fit. I want to bring the spotlight to the dark corners of our planet; I want to bring contemplation to the issues swept under the rug. Everyone deserves an opportunity, whether that is the children still living in Taliban villages or the women of Darfur, hunted and murdered by genocide.

Like I said, the power of the smallest person can create the greatest affect, whether it be bumping into you on the bus or the inauguration of the first black president- people are the greatest threat, people are the greatest contrivance; and to them there is a choice of which extreme they should be. I want to reach great heights; I want to exempt failure and immune limits. I want to exceed expectations and provide communities around the world with a voice larger than their sway in society. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we do. And I plan just to do that, on behalf of everyone.

Submitted by K. H., Gr. 7 Student from High Level, Alberta
Published December 14

I am 12 years old and I am currently attending a public high school in High Level Alberta. I am in grade 7, and this is my first year in a high school. I dance 5 days a week, I love to read, and I try to excel in my schooling.

For me, excellence means to be yourself, because only you can be excellent in your own way. Striving for excellence doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. I think it just means to try your best, because you won’t be as good at some things as you are at other things.

I try to be the best I can be when I am doing everything. For example, volunteering in my local library and helping my friends with school work. I love community events and I try to be involved, whether it is decorating a float for a parade or riding on the float handing out candy to children or cleaning up the streets from candy wrappers after.

The most important part of Striving for Excellence is being proud of who I am, what I do, and where I live.

Submitted by S.A., Gr. 12 Student from Whitecourt, Alberta
Published December 14

Throughout my years of school I have always strived to achieve the highest level of excellence in every shape and from. I have volunteered and dedicated myself and my time to an extensive range of activities while still staying an honour student. Being involved in such a range of activities has taught me vital life skills that I will carry with me on my future adventures in University.

Many of the activities I’m involved in are directly related to leadership. I’m the president of the Student council, secretary for the Grad council and was a member of the leadership 9 class. These activities are some of my most challenging roles and everyday test my people skills, organization and motivation. I am also involved in community based activities. I both teach and take dance classes as well as I sit on the board for the town Japanese Exchange Society. These community roles help me to achieve excellence by teaching me how to work with people, handle many different situations and how to use time wisely.

The last group that I am the public relations officer for is called The Hilltop Humanitarian Society. This international school organization is one I feel most strongly about. It is a group of students who volunteer and work to support an orphanage in Uganda. This program has been both the most difficult and rewarding. I have learned so much about the world, it’s people and their struggles from being involved with the Humanitarian Society.

I believe Excellence is in the eyes of the beholder. With every breath I take I strive to be the best that I can be; my own excellence. My strive for excellence is learned through the eyes of people, the benefits of being involved in activities and through my education. I strive to be a leader. A mentor. A giver, and a believer.

Submitted by R.S., Gr. 8 Student from Strathmore, Alberta
Published December 13

How I show Leadership

Without a doubt everyone has met someone in their lives who demonstrates an impressive amount of leadership. They are people just like you and me that have taken it upon themselves to strive for excellence to make the world a better place for everyone to live in.

I show leadership in my community in a variety of ways. Throughout the year I participate in all of the sports I can to improve my character and expand my friendships. I play: softball, club volleyball, badminton, track and basketball. This year I started playing softball for the first time. It was hard because we were playing with girls who had been in softball for at least four years. I showed leadership because no matter how I hard it was I kept on going. I also helped coach at a volleyball camp for kids in grade 1-5. This was a wonderful experience because I was able to help kids learn new things and to be a role model. During my other sports I try to help whoever I can so they can improve their skills and become better at that sport. I enjoy sports because it makes me a strong person and gives me the opportunity to help different people.

Another way that I show leadership is through the school clubs I’m a part of. A history club has recently started at our school and I wasted no time in joining. We learn about different people and events in this club thus, increasing our education. Very recently we went on a field trip to a war museum. It was a life changing experience that made me realize what Canadians have done to make this country what it is today. By being in this club I have broadened my horizons about how people have felt in different events in history making me more sensitive to the people around me. I have become a stronger leader because I now know how people feel in their times of sorrow and how to help them. It has also given me the ability to help people with school because I already have prior knowledge on various subjects.

I’m a part of the newspaper at our school. I enter articles about current events so that I can spread news about what is happening in the world to my fellow classmates. At school I excel in all of my subjects and try to help anyone I can so that they can become smarter. An example of this is that in Math class every year I sit beside my friend so I can help her with Math even if it means having to do more homework at home because I was helping her. She consistently gets better because of my assistance.

Making music is one of the things I love to do and I started out playing the Clarinet in my schools band. I decided that I would like to play the saxophone so I practiced during the summer until I caught up with everyone. Through my academics I show people that they can always improve themselves and achieve excellence in anything. I also take part in “Light up the Night” walks for our local women’s shelter. This makes me a leader because it shows people in the community to care more.

Each year my family and I create operation Christmas child boxes for people in need. It gives us a good feeling that we are making a difference in the world. Overall, I always try to help people and try to be the best person I can be.

All of the above reasons show how I strive for excellence in my life. I’m a leader in all of my activities and try to improve myself and everyone else. Many Canadians are like this and this is why Canada is such a wonderful country to live in.

Submitted by A.W., Gr. 9 Student from La Crete, Alberta
Published December 12

I’ve always thought of a leader as being a shepherd or a guide. While some others may think that a leader is a dictator, someone who tells you what to do and bosses you around as if you have no brain. I think that a real leader is someone who listens to you when you are feeling down, helps you get back on your feet so to speak; and a leader will stand up to those who they know are doing something wrong, then see if there is something that they can do to help that person get back to doing what is right.

A leader doesn’t blow his/her horn all the time, sometimes they will sit back and watch from the sidelines because they know that the person will have to take a fall before being able to listen and hear it from someone who knows. A leader shouldn’t pretend to always know everything, but they have to show humility and not anger when someone points out something that they need to work on, or don’t know. Nobody’s perfect is not just a saying; it is something that a good leader has to put into effect.

Time cannot be recycled, so don’t waste it. Give someone a hand and you will both climb higher; I think that should be a leader’s main goal, to give someone something of yourself and you will both have something to cherish (and I don’t mean the hand from off your arm). Be it a friendship or just a person watching how you act even though you may not notice it. A leader should demand respect but do it with consideration to the other person’s feelings.

I have a teacher that has been a really good example of what a leader should be, He/she does not anger easily and when he/she does it means that something really has gone wrong and you need to change. He respects you so you almost have no choice but to respect him/her back. I know that if I have something that I need to talk about, I can go talk to him/her and he/she will listen and then tell me what he/she thinks and how they would deal with it if it was them.

The only time that I can think of that I have been a leader is probably in my own home. I take care of my siblings at least one night a week and I actually enjoy it most of the time. Yes, the typical teenager would not jump at the chance to have to stay home to care for the younger kids, and quite frankly, neither do I, but what I have realized over the period of time that it took me to write this essay, is that if I have had a bad day, it has been of my own making; And I think that any good leader should be able to realize that before they can call themselves good leaders.

So I guess that what I’m trying to say is that a leader should be compassionate, merciful, and just; but then here is the catch, where do you find a leader that is like that? I don’t think that we can find one here, nobody, not even Mr. Harper. We should just all strive to be.

Submitted by J.L., Gr. 9 Student from Peace River, Alberta
Published December 11

Making a difference takes one step at a time. It could be something little or something big, like helping a neighbour, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or maybe simply giving your seat on the bus to an elderly or pregnant person.

I make a difference in my community by being a member of The Girl Guides of Canada. We participate in events including the festival of trees, remembrance day ceremonies, filling out shoe boxes for kids in Africa and more. We help out others and have fun at the same time. I take in events that happen through school as well, like donating to the food bank, woman's shelter, heritage towers ( old folks home ), and raising money for 3rd world countries.

I also go to Be-heard meetings, Be-heard is a group started by kids from my school, the group is for kids to build trust and confidence and talk about problems in our lives and meet other people in different or similar situations. We can talk about anything and know that there are people out there that will listen, help and support us. My after school activities include walking dogs from the SPCA, recycling, and babysitting.

In my opinion, kids are the future, therefore I try to be the best example I can for my friends' younger siblings, the kids I babysit and basically kids everywhere. In the summer I am a counsellor or a leader for summer camp, it is usually a bible camp, we encourage kids to believe in themselves, try their best and cooperate with each other.

In the past my friends and I have done bottle drives to raise money for the SPCA, garbage cleanups and helping out in the library. I think making a difference is simply an act of kindness or giving, you may never know the people you influence or inspire, what you get back is something money cant buy, a warm feeling on the inside. My motto is '' Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. '' I think we can all make a difference.

Submitted by D.V.H., Gr. 10 Student from Red Deer, Alberta
Published December 10

Being a “leader” is more than just participating in activities outside of school and being there for your friends. It’s about setting an example for others. It’s about showing people what you’re capable of, and encouraging them to strive for excellence. Leading isn’t about influencing solely your peers, but about influencing people 5 years younger than you or 50 years older than you. When you’re a leader, you aren’t an “Average Joe”. People know who you are. They may love you; they may hate you. You have still impacted their life somehow.

I strive to be a leader every day. I am always making a conscious effort to be the best that I can be. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of making a difference in the world. Everywhere I go, I’m setting an example for those younger than me, and changing people’s perceptions on teenagers. This year I joined the leadership class in my high school. I thought this class would be about learning how to be a better person by listening to speeches, etc. This class is completely contrary to that. The teachers are just “facilitators” to my classmates and I. They send us out into the school to make a difference. They either let us fall on our faces, or give us 100% credit for whatever we do.

I didn’t think this would show me how to be a better leader, but it has. I’ve organized a suicide awareness week that found us selling over $600 of merchandise. All profits went to a suicide charity. I also planned a week long fundraiser for the local food bank. I have had to find creative ways to get people to want to participate in these activities. Most high school students act too “cool” to participate in things like this. We have to change this and show that making a difference is the cool thing to do.

Submitted by S.N., Gr. 12 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published December 10

Hello I just turned 17 years old and I am in grade 12. I am very active person who enjoys being apart of everything. I live with my mother and my father passed away when i was younger. I enjoy playing sports and in school i play volleyball and badminton, as well in my grade 11 year I got female athlete of the year. In school I maintain an average grade and hope to attend college within the next year to be an occupational therapist aid. Also in school I am sports medicine trainer for the Sr. boys basketball team. Outside of school I am a mentor at a local elementary school where I enjoy spending an hour with my little brother. The program I am involved in is Big Brothers Big Sister and I have been doing that for two years now.

In my community I take huge pride in what we stand for and that is our diversity of cultures and people. In my community there is a stereotype that surrounds it and it is not in a positive light. However I take great amount of pride representing my school and community and feel that even though we don’t seem like we can accomplish much I believe we can show people that we are better then they believe we are. On my volleyball team I have received two awards for heart and hustle and I take deep amount of pride in representing Forest Lawn in a positive light.

On top of my school programs I play Underwater hockey at an international level were in summer of 2008 I attend World Championships in Durban, South Africa. I played on the Canadian U-19 team and the Canadian Women’s team. In summer of 2010 I hope to be able to experience another Worlds which is located in Medellin, Colombia. I hope in the future that Underwater Hockey is accepted in to the IOC and hope to compete on a whole new international level.

During my life’s struggles of losing many loved ones I have maintained a positive outlook and always try to succeed and make the best of what I have. I hope to continue my adventure of being successful and hope that I can make a difference to people on the way. I believe I am an acceptable applicant for this program as I feel I would be most thankful for the opportunity and would really enjoy feeling the sense of Canada coming together as one.

Submitted by M.E., Gr. 7 Student from Lacombe, Alberta
Published December 10, 2009

How I show leadership in my own way is I try my absolute hardest to try and finish anything I start on my own or together with others in a group project. I am honest about anything from cheating and stealing I am especially honest about bullying that is where my honesty skills come in hand because I never lie about that because it is something I have never done and don’t plan on doing. I do find that it takes a lot of courage and bravery to stand up for somebody and it is my choice that I want to be a leader not a follower and stand up instead of standing by. I also decide to stand out and be different instead of following along with trends I make my own style. I am trying really hard to teach others to stand up for friends and family.

I show leadership also by being in my schools local connections group. Connections is a school program that we all get together at our lunch hour and decide on simple projects that will improve our community or we will volunteer at a local charity in these coming months we have decided to have operation Santa clause where we set donation boxes in varies destinations through our school. We also did a Christmas child box that’s where we would send toys that would fit in a shoe boxes such as small toys, bounce balls, yo- yo’s and crayons and paper also hygienic items.

To strive for excellence and leadership can be really tough but if you try hard and maybe even build a leadership group you will accomplish a lot. And asking for help from an adult isn’t always so bad. And forming a group that stands up can also just be a group of friends.