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Submitted by A.M., Gr. 12 Student from St. Paul, Alberta
Published December 4

Excellence is a very loose term; I believe excellence is not what we achieve but rather is within us all, shown in a variety of different ways. Some people may not be an honour student however they can create the most beautiful paintings, excellence comes in every way, shape and form. Rather than strive for excellence I strive to be myself and let who I am shine through thus allow my talents to shine.

I have accomplished many things in my short life and have great aspirations for my future. My passion is the arts; I love to create. In my spare time I love to draw and paint for myself and my family and friends. I am currently drawing a tattoo for a friend of mine. However my true calling is writing I hope to attend a university for creative writing when I graduate high school. I am currently going to be published in “A Celebration of Poets” 2009 edition for a poem I wrote in my spare time. I have hundreds of short stories and poems which I hope to one day share with the world, just to I know it will help someone; if only to make one person feel less lonely in this world.

Another passion of mine is track and field; it has been a family activity since I was nine years old. However now a day it has become more difficult to train and participate in the sport I love since I have severe asthma and I have yet to find a medication system which can allow me to train easily without having chest pains and harsh breathing. I will prevail though I am slowly starting a training program for outdoor track and field season; it is never too early to get a head start on something you love.

Lastly I love to help others and volunteer; this year I participated in a Halloween for Hunger. A group of my friends and I decided to go trick or treating for canned foods instead of candy for our local Food Bank. It is always nice to donate to others around holidays. I am hoping to volunteer more at the animal shelter occasionally me and a friend walk dogs for the workers there. I also love to run for charity this year I have already ran the CIBC Run for the Cure and also plan to run the Underwear Affair later this year for my grandma who currently has colon cancer.

Excellence dwells in everyone’s hearts, it is whether outside viewers choose to recognize that or deem it useless. No matter if you are a simple person or the president of a country we all have greatness within us whether we brighten someone’s day or millions we have all made a difference in the world.

Submitted by A.H., Gr. 6 Student from Acadia Valley, Alberta
Published December 3

I am 11 years old in grade 6 in Acadia Valley Alberta. Leadership to me is a willingness to share what you learn with others. It is also listening to others who are trying to teach you. I am a 4H member in Bindloss 4H multi Club. I have been a member for 3 years. I do a market steer project and a light horse project. With my horse project I travel all over the province with my Mom to horse shows. At these shows I not only do my best, I encourage the others in the show to do their best too. I may not always win the class but I know I did my best. I want to pass on what I have learned to the little kids who are just starting to show.

I have been recognized at a Provincial level through the Alberta Equestrian Federation and their Ride and Drive Program for the number of hours I have spent on my horse. I put 1000 hours in the saddle in less than 3 years. My family was very proud of how much I worked on that. 4H also teaches us how to be selfless and help others. We do community projects like fundraisers to help out those that don't have as much as we do.

I am also a member of our local boxing club. Here I mostly learn to follow the leader but the discipline we learn here will help us in the future when it comes to leading someone else. I want to grow up to be an asset to my community!

Submitted by B.P., Gr. 4 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published December 3

I think a leader is someone that is trustworthy and very helpful. You can always trust them when you tell them things like secrets. Leaders also help friends, family, and people in need. I think I’m a leader because I join different things that other people don’t. Then when they see me doing that thing they join to. For example, things like choir.

I am a goalie in hockey and whenever I am on the bench I keep a good attitude. A few days ago we were down by a few goals and by accident one of my players tipped in a goal for the other team and he got quite upset. He sat on the side of the bench and I went over to try to cheer him up. The next game, he did great. In hockey I have gotten awards like the heart and hustle award and other trophies.

I try to be a leader in my community by doing things like donating food, toys, clothes and other things. A few days ago at church I picked up a tag for buying Christmas gifts for people that are poor. At school I have volunteered for things like intramurals, listening program, canteen and recycling. I had to do a speech this year to get elected for student council. Being on the student council allows me to organizing events for the school. I was elected to represent my class.

In conclusion, I am trying my best to be a leader and a good person.

Submitted by J.F., Gr. 12 Student from Edmonton, Alberta
Published December 2

I believe everyone can achieve excellence somewhere in their life if they persue it. I have been lucky, personally to have had the opportunities I have. Celebrating excellence for me has mostly been in my sports, school and community. My participation in community involvement is not for personal gain. It’s not for the resume or a scholarship application. It’s for the better of my community, school and a sense of happiness. I hope by becoming involved I can make a small difference in my own way.

Currently I am in grade 12 and attend a high school with great, diverse opportunities. However my first year in high school was not as fulfilling and I held back from participating in anything. By grade 11 I not only needed a change but realized there were much bigger things out there than high school popularity. I joined my school Students Union and began to become engaged with my school events. This last summer however I wanted to take a bigger step and applied for a summer internship at the University of Alberta Hospital. I spent the next 2 months not just working but learning so much about myself and people in a greater perspective. I worked with people of all personalities and met all types of people. I learnt communication skills, teamwork and responsibilities, things you don’t learn in a classroom. This is extremely cliché but it was one of the most life changing experiences I have had so far and I’d say this is where I began to “celebrate excellence.” I entered my grade 12 year with high hopes and a new outlook on myself and others. I continued on with my involvement in Students Union but had a new excitement and confidence.

As part of my involvement I planned my school pep-rally. Pep-rallies at my high school however, are no monotonous thing. There is one a year, they are one of the largest events we have, and are known city-wide for, what we call “epicness”. This year we had an Olympic theme for our “Spirit Day” and pep-rally, celebrating the Olympics in Canada and school athletics, academics, clubs, and arts programs. The pressure for one, I’d have to say, was beyond overwhelming! But that was nothing compared to the responsibilities and commitment to plan it. With a lot of help from teachers and fellow students, the event was a huge success with tons of school participation and excitement. Our school’s goal is to maintain our “tradition of excellence”.

As a school, I believe we did an amazing job of celebrating excellence, especially on this day and I am so lucky to have been involved in it. This year I have also continued to play competitive soccer, joined my school volunteering program, grad-committee and various clubs. As well I am in a leadership course that plans a school wide “global initiative”. This year we are supporting the organization “Right to Play” that works in developing nations and uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities. As a class, our goal is to raise $35 000 for them. Working with everyone in the class has been another learning experience. We are very diverse in our strengths and personalities which we have had to learn how to work together and become a team to make this campaign a success. I have been so fortunate to be part of such an amazing school and community. The experiences that I have gotten from this year alone are life-changing and I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who care about me and help me become the best person I can be. Although I am leaving high school, I have high hopes and expectations for myself, my peers, my school and their futures. Celebrating excellence is just the beginning!

Submitted by S.S., Gr. 9 Student from Lethbridge, Alberta
Published December 1

What is a leader? Well a leader is a person that is courageous, friendly, trustworthy, smart, caring and responsible. They respect you for who you are. A leader can be someone who guides or directs a person. They take charge, they help you; they are a leader.

My leadership experience is I babysit this little girl and her brother. The little girl likes to work on coloring and she loves to learn new things. Her mom bought her a learning book and she loves to have me help her with it. My leadership role is I help her learn how to read and write. I taught her the ABC’s and how to count. I taught her brother how to tie shoes and how to swim.

I like to be a leader. I think why only think of you when you can help out people and teach them to be yourself no matter what. I like to help out my neighbours by shoveling there sidewalks and watching their plants and pets when they leave on vacation.

Conclusion is everyone has been a leader in their life and they meet a leader in their life. There are leaders all over. There are leaders you can ask for help, trust with your secrets and ask for advice. I’m a leader I like to help people.

Submitted by T.D., Gr. 10 Student from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Published December 1

A leader expresses commitment, determination, encouragement and inspiration towards others in several different environments. Leadership plays a key role in communities, extra curricular activities, education, and culture. I feel that I show leadership in my life in many ways. I've been an active member on school and community sports teams such as volleyball, basketball, badminton and soccer for several years. Being a part of these activities means I must show commitment and determination if I want to do well and inspire others. Not only have I expressed leadership in sports but in other groups as well. Just recently, our school has put together a peer ministry group consisting of the youth in our Catholic high school.

The peer ministry's goal is to put together activities for the school that will help the students expand their knowledge on the teaching of the church and bring them closer to God. As a member of this ministry, we are expected to be a leader for our peers. By accepting this responsibility, it is essential for us to take initiative in being good role models for others in our school.

This past summer I was employed as a councilor by the Rocky Recreation department. My job included planning and implementing the program for children aged 6-14 yrs. I hope to return to this position next summer as I found it very rewarding and enjoyable.

In Junior High I was honored to be nominated by my teachers to attend a leadership conference in Washington DC, joining with other peers around the world. The following year, I attended a workshop called "Students expecting respect." After attending the session we were required to present the information to the grade five class at our school. It was a valuable learning experience to have to teach the material and knowledge gained.

Leaders must strive to achieve a positive influence on others by bringing out the best in them. They have the power to help guide those who are willing to accept their advice and encourage others to be great leaders as well.

Submitted by A.E., Gr. 6 Student from Manning, Alberta
Published November 30

Hi, I am a student from Manning Alberta. I do lots of local activities. This is my first year in hockey, so everyone calls me the Rookie. I usually have at least two hockey games or practices during the week and on weekends I commonly have one or two games. I love being part of a team!

I have been involved in Girl Guides for eight years. I have now advanced into the First Manning Pathfinders unit. Pathfinders is mainly about leadership, having fun, succeeding in outdoor activities like camping, skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and participating in fun summer activities. We are also busy volunteering in our local community. Last year we planted trees and shrubs for residents of long term care at the hospital, helped organize games at our community Family Day carnival and collected items for Kids Kottage in Edmonton. One of the best parts of Pathfinders is preparing crafts and games for the younger Brownies and Sparks, leading them in Girl Guide songs and teaching them camping skills like how to make grilled cheese sandwiches over a buddy burner and how to clean to the outhouses. In celebration the one hundredth year anniversary of Girl Guides in Canada, a few of my guiding friends and I are participating in Camp Mosaic in Ontario next year. We are so excited about getting to ride in a plane for the first time and just getting to experience a new adventure.

I also volunteer at my church by helping teach Sunday School, assisting with community pancake breakfasts and by altar serving. As you can see, I strive for excellence and pursue leadership in many ways almost every day. I am so excited that the Olympics are in Canada this year. It would be a dream come true to experience the Olympics, LIVE!

Thank you for the opportunity to enter your contest.

Submitted by D.G., Gr. 6 Student from Medicine Hat, Alberta
Published November 30

Hello, I am a student in grade 6. This year our grade six classes started the leadership academy and the roles of a leader. I am inspired and learn something different from each of the people that come and talk to us during our lunch and learn.

I am in my 4th year of guitar lessons, it’s not easy always practicing, but I know if I don’t practice I won’t move forward and get better at my skills, some day I hope to play and possibly sing in a band. I know my dreams, now it is up to me to do the work and turn myself into a leader.

I too want to be a positive leader in my community and school. At our school, we have learned about the seven habits of highly effective behavior, by Stephen Covey. Everyday we implement this into our daily work at school and into our home life. I am not sure if you are aware of the seven habits, but I will give you, a brief understanding of it and how I put into my daily living.

Habit 1: Be proactive: I choose to wake up in a positive way, even though there are days that I could choose to be reactive to my little sister, I choose to be proactive.
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind: Each day I think what is it that I want to accomplish today and how can I do this without any struggles throughout the day.
Habit 3: Put first things first: Everything I do from the beginning of each day to the end I have to decide what is the main thing I need to accomplish and how can I achieve this.
Habit 4: Think win win: Even though there are many days that I feel I could sit and argue with a teacher or my parents, I have little thoughts that run through my head that say how we both or all can be winners.
Habit 5: Seek first to understand: Many times, we are asked for advice but do not always listen fully before understanding what really is needed, so you need to listen completely to what someone is asking before you can help understand their needs.
Habit 6: Synergize: This is so much fun, who does not like to be around people and help them, or listen or just plain hang out. I love to synergize while curling and playing guitar.
Habit 7: Sharpen the saw: After a long week of school and extra curricular activities, Sunday’s are definitely a way for me to sharpen the saw, as I attend church and just let my body relax and heal and prepare for the following week to come.

I think here is your ultimate success formula: Clarity: Determine what you want Purpose: Discover why you want it Strategy: Develop a plan to accomplish it Priority: Decide what needs to be done first Action: Move toward your goal each and every day Our world needs leadership, yet being a leader is not always easy or intuitive. I think the sooner you begin thinking about the issues that are important and consider how or where you are suited to make a difference, the greater and more widespread your impact will be. I know I am young and I must learn from mistakes but I have goals in life and everyday I strive to be good and get good grades.

Here are a few words that I feel are important to use: commitment, perseverance, integrity, friendship, loyalty, these are words that should be used by a leader, and I hope that I can continue to learn and use all the tools that are given to me to be a better leader each and everyday.

Submitted by R.G., Gr. 4 Student from Stony Plain, Alberta
Published November 29

I am nine year's old and in grade four. I love to play sports, I started when I was only three year's old. I like to play girls fastball in the summer and ringette in the winter. Every year I get better at all the sports I play. Now that I have been playing for a few years I try to use my experience to help the other girls on my teams.

Some of the things I do is encourage my team mates by cheering them on and telling them when they have done a good job. In ringette I pass to others on my team that do not get the ring that often. I really like how happy it makes them, and it makes me happy because I know it is because of me. I always try to be a good example to my team mates. I listen when my coaches are talking and explaining things and then do my best to follow through on what they said.

I also try my hardest when ever it is my turn to play. I hope by doing these things my team mates will see my work ethic and effort and follow my lead. Sports are a big part of my life and I think they teach me to be a better person.

Submitted by A.K., Gr. 6 Student from Edmonton, Alberta
Published November 29

Involving Myself in the Community

Involving myself in the community could be very challenging, especially if you are new to the culture. My family moved to Canada in 2006. At first I was not used to the food, and gym activities because of the language barriers, but with the help from teachers and my peers I started to enjoy group activities and have a voice in them.

Being a leader could mean a lot. It is very enjoyable, though, knowing that how successful you lead your group; but do not be discouraged if you get things messed up - think if everybody gives up when they make a simple mistake then there will be no success in people’s lives. I think only mistakes can push a person to grow stronger. I learned something important from the years I spent in Canada: You must give respect to others, for them to give the respect back to you. Leadership skills can also take the form of doing simple things. I felt the best way to improve my leadership skills are through helping others.

I still remembered, when my family came over to Edmonton on the flight from Vancouver, we are the only Chinese family on the plane. But now more and more Chinese families moved in to the city, and I am happy to have many Chinese students in my class. Every time a new one came, my teacher always asked me to help them and I enjoyed helping them My Mom says: in order for me to keep contact with my Chinese peers she is going to send me back to China to improve my Chinese for junior high. I felt lucky to get the chance of keeping in touch with two different cultures, and two different languages. I hope in the future I can do something for both China and Canada with the knowledge I learned from both sides.

Submitted by G.D., Gr. 9 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published November 28

I am a fourteen-year-old girl in grade nine who loves to help. Last year, my class did a service project for the SPCA. We built a haunted house in the drama room and had kids come in all Halloween week. Each entry cost one dollar and the student could donate more if they chose to. We raised approximately one hundred fifty dollars for abused and abandoned pets. A few weeks later, the SPCA sent us pictures of the animals we had helped; a bunny that had lost all its fur and a dog that had lost a leg. It was amazing to see that our little effort had made a big difference.

I volunteer at church. Some of the seniors can’t walk anymore or think straight. I help make sure they can get to the service by leading them or wheeling them in. I seat them and bring them a bulletin and a song book. Between songs, I go around flipping the books and telling them which song is next. After the service is over, I wheel them home and seat them at their table, ready for lunch. I find it fun to be around them and hear some of their stories. At first, I didn’t really think this made such a big difference, either, but my dad said that without me, those people wouldn’t be able to enjoy going to church. He said that, for some, it’s the highlight of their week. That made me feel really good about what I was doing.

At school, there is this class of mentally disabled kids called the Access class. My math teacher came up to me one day and asked if I’d like to spend one lunch hour a week with the Access class. I said yes. It turns out they are normal people. They have special talents and love to do certain things. Sometimes they make their own lunch in the foods room and I help wash, dry and put away dishes. Other times the girls will want to bead and the boys want to play board games (they are really good at ‘Guess Who’). I eat my lunch and talk to them and enjoy myself. I have made ten new friends.

I don’t think volunteering should be something that you do that feels like work. It should be something you enjoy doing and want to keep doing for a long time. I don’t think I’ll ever stop.

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