Celebrating Excellence Rules
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Submitted by J.C., Gr. 6 Student from Lloydminster, AlbertaPublished December 27
Hello. I am in grade 6. The activities I do are hockey, golf, swimming, band, leadership club, and caroling. I am a big leader in my school and I will always be a leader in hockey. Just because you don’t wear a letter doesn’t mean you can’t act like a leader. I have to be honest, respectful, safe, and responsible to be a leader and at my school we go and pick up garbage and do all this stuff for the environment help little kids and baby sit and milk monitors and telephone ambassadors and soccer and kindergarten and I try to be a good remodel for my school and for the little kids and for my parents so they are proud of me.
My parents are separated and I am trying my best to help them for what ever they want me to do so I can help them so it is not so hard for them. I do it because I love them both and it’s not hard to clean your room or do dishes or sweep the garage. I am trying to get my grades up because I am doing well in school but I want to have an awesome report card because I usually have an ok one but and I’m trying hard and it is paying off. When I get good grades it makes them happy instead of being stressed.
I would like to go to the Olympics because I have never gone to a winter sport. Also I love the Olympics. I am in to all that stuff and I pretty much like every sport. I would also like to go to the Olympics because I love sports and my family or dad would like to go to a winter sports and see that stuff like how cool that would be and I have never watched someone do a winter sport but I have seen it on TV but I think I would be awesome to see it in real life. My most favorite sports are hockey, track and field and ping pong.
Submitted by M.H., Gr. 12 Student from Edmonton, AlbertaPublished December 26
In order to better the communities in our society, citizens must be willing to give back to their surroundings by becoming leaders and doing all they can to benefit others. By doing so, they will also eventually benefit themselves, by developing as a person and improving their community.
As a student, community leadership has always been a big part of my life. I am involved through various school activities, such as athletics and awareness programs, as well as outside of school, through competitive sports and volunteering. I have been involved in athletics for my entire life. My participation in many sports such as cross-country running, track and field, and competitive soccer, as well as other sports at a minor level, has kept me actively involved in my community. I have consistently been portrayed as a leader in each sport, and have been appointed captain of my soccer team ever since I joined. I demonstrate excellent leadership skills by encouraging others to push themselves to perform to the best of their abilities. Others become inspired to work hard and focus on success by following me as an example of determination. This then can be related to the community because the focus and discipline can be transferred to their everyday life in order to drive them to succeed in other ventures.
As well as being an athlete and participating in sports, I have given back to my community by helping to coach a junior high soccer team. As a role model to the girls, I was able to help them improve themselves as players, as well as to instill the values of discipline and focus that have helped me to succeed in my life.
Volunteer groups to raise awareness have helped me to get involved in my school community. Groups such as Project Change and Youth Coalition for Peace and Social Justice have given me the opportunity to help others in communities that do not have access to all the resources and luxuries that I have. By participating in awareness activities and fundraisers, I demonstrate leadership by taking initiative to help those in need, and get others to become educated about the growing problem of poverty around the world. Raising awareness in my community can also influence other groups of people to get involved, and encourages people to think of others rather than live selfishly. My participation in these clubs also allows me to contribute to the communities around me by putting together events to help others raise their standard of living.
I have been able to contribute to my school through Student’s Union. We work as a team to coordinate events that create a positive impact by providing initiative to get involved in the school and make the most out of one’s high school experience. This, in turn, encourages students to continue to be involved in their community around them as they move on in their life.
By taking the initiative to get involved in each of these activities, I have strengthened myself as a person, and I have come to appreciate what I do have by becoming aware of what others do not. I believe that through involvement we can become one step closer to helping those in need, and instill positive values in youth that will be carried with them as they become adults. By being a leader in my community, I am a role model for others and inspire people to act selflessly, as well as being an active example of how determination and focus is a positive factor in life that leads to success.
Submitted by S.Y., Gr. 12 Student from Edmonton, AlbertaPublished December 25
I was heavily involved in our school's Global Initiative Campiagn Play It Forward. The campaign’s goal is to raise $35,000 for the organization Right To Play, which uses sports as tools to provide education, peaceful conflict resolution, health care and community development for children in developing countries all over the world. Our real goal though, is not about money, but about the community building, like Right To Play. The school itself is the main target, but we also include the communities through out the city.
As a member of the planning group, I have helped determine the incentives that will bring people around us to our cause. I have talked to people about their interest, I have reached as many clubs and teams there is in the school to advertise as well as getting feed back on how to do better. Also, to collect more donations for the campaign, I have reached into corporate sponsors.
Despite not many companies actually sponsored us, but we have learnt a lot from them, such as how to improve our communication so our points are clearer. The hardest thing in the campaign is probably our main fundraiser event named Play-On Scona. First the entry fee of $100 donation seems to be a large amount for most students. Therefore we take the lead by collecting donations from our own neighbourhood. It didn’t take long to raise $1,500 in the first week, and we have brought more and more people to the event and more interested in the campaign all over the city.
Just for the fundraiser itself, I have worked 20 hours on set up, running it, guiding people in and out of each activity and take everything down. In the end, all participants left with a big smile. In the end, we have raised $54,000 for Right To Play through the two-month-long campaign. Me and my class have worked day and night to make sure every single detail of the campaign so we can raise as many as we can.
Communities are built, not just in our school, our city. But also for children all over the world who will receive help from our donations. They will have better health program, education system and a better way of living ‘not suffering from war and poverty’ but simply play.
Submitted by A.S., Gr. 12 Student from High Prairie, AlbertaPublished December 24
My goal is to strive for independence and excellence for my future. I have a hard life because I live on my own and I am still in school which I will be done this year. I will finish school because I will not give up, in every class I have this year I have a 80% or higher. I try my best to get good, achieving grades and show up every day because its important to learn. I stay in school because it is my key to education of a career. In my school I have dedicated myself to finish my school year and help others in any way I can.
To me, leadership is to show others to become a better person and help them learn about life in many forms. You need to show motivation and integrity and help make other people believe in themselves. It’s also important to strive for excellence because it will help you out with whatever career you choose and motivate to get to the top. In the end, you will be proud and feel good about yourself which we need alot of students like that to make this a better world.
I volunteer by using my spare time to help drama class, volunteer by keeping score for basketball teams or volleyball teams. By showing leadership I helped out with a fashion show and drama production that both went very well. I am eager to listen and learn because it helps me in the future to be responsible and reliable. Other ways that I showed leadership is that I became a youth helper for a youth Christian club that were ages 6 to 12. I was glad to help them out by showing them to have fun in life and to learn about Jesus and I also became a counsellor in the year 2008 at a bible camp. Another event that I volunteered, was that I helped out by doing makeovers on Outreach center of Juvenile kids, it might not be much but it did make themselves feel good inside and happy.
In my past school years I joined basketball teams and one year we even won a Provincial award for the best basketball team. Things like winning awards and being honored for excellence makes me a better person and I'm proud of myself.
Another thing that I do not do is litter because that makes the earth unhealthy so by recycling in shows others that they need to do that to help make this world a better place in it self. I also helped out with the food bank by collecting food for other students so that people who cant afford much will be pleased and can eat.
This year I accepted Proficiency Award for Cosmetology and I am able to earn a scholorship if I’m chosen. In my future, I plan to go to Evelyn Charles School to be an Esthetician and take management courses so that one day I will own my own salon and hopefully many more around the country. To be picked to watch the Vancouver Olympics would be an honour because I will see so many Olympians who strived for excellance and learned leadership in their own ways. It would be an experience in a life time and a wonderful memory.
Submitted by D.O., Gr. 8 Student from Fort McMurray, AlbertaPublished December 23
I am thirteen years old and in grade eight. I live in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Ever since I was able to talk, I have wanted to be a leader. For a long time this was more of a dream and not real. I never really thought that it was ever possible for people to recognize me as a leader. It wasn’t until I was in grade seven that I realized this dream could become a reality.
Last year, my friends persuaded me to join my school’s Student Council and to run for Vice-President. I was not sure about it at first, but I wanted to try to begin to make my dream come true. In our school, when running for a position on the Student Council, students go through an interview rather than an election. On the day that I had my interview, I was surprised to find how easy it was. It felt like second nature to me. After all of the interviews were complete, I was shocked to hear that I had been chosen to be Vice-President. This made me realize that anyone can be a leader if they want to and, “I” am a leader.
This year, I am happy to say, I am the President on the school’s Student Council. I do not think I have ever been so proud of myself. Being a leader does not require having to be popular or being bossy. It does not have to do with what other people do for you but what you can do for them and with them. To be a good leader you need to be helpful and encouraging toward others. A good leader acknowledges that every person is important.
I am making a difference in my school, working with a great Student Council. We have strengthened school spirit throughout the school. When we host an event in the gym, students and teachers are excited to come and take part. Helping to lead has made me more confident. I am looking forward to continuing to improve my leadership skills as I go to high school next year.
Thank you for offering an opportunity for student leaders in our province to be rewarded for their hard work
Submitted by D.F., Gr. 11 Student from Athabasca, AlbertaPublished December 22
THE STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
Throughout life I have been inspired by the morals and values that push me to apply devotion and merit into all activities that I choose to participate in. This is evident from the time I was a young child, taking to reading and writing before I was enrolled into preschool. I had such a passion for learning and education that I would ask my mother to create sample quizzes and tests for me, so that I could portray a “big girl” who was already in school.
At such a young age I wished to become a successful role model to girls everywhere, to demonstrate that striving for excellence is an acceptable goal. As time has passed I have continued to fully apply my academic skills and have sustained grades of over eighty percent each year. This has positioned me on the honour roll and has allowed me to take part in the fun and excitement that school and education has to offer.
One way that I exploited this is by taking part in our community soccer organization. I have been part of numerous teams in this organization and now stand as one of the reigning captains on our all girls team. I feel that being part of this organization has allowed me to show my potential and hopefully influence other girls to join organizations like soccer and become active in the community.
Another organization that I am involved in is the Student Union, within our high school. I believe that in order to have an entertaining and enjoyable school atmosphere students have to speak up and help the administration in choosing interesting activities and help in running our school smoothly. This is because soon we will be par-taking in the leadership of our communities and will have to display skills of leadership to prevent ciaos and destruction within our society.
I believe that the skills that I possess will help me to be inspiring and useful throughout my live and that these skills can hopefully help others throughout their lives as well. For life is constantly evolving, however I hope that I can retain my integrity and commitment and explore all that life has to offer.
Submitted by M.F., Gr. 12 Student from Calgary, AlbertaPublished December 21
(CYFC) Youth Volunteer Corps. Volunteering was ‘fun’, but to me, truly “making a difference” ended short of starting orphanages in Africa; that was how you changed the world. On the first day of the program, seeing a young boy smile for the first time that day while we built sandcastles, and the appreciation on his mother’s face as she came to collect him, changed my attitude completely. No longer did a “global citizen” look like the far away image of a nurse in a war torn country; a global citizen looked like me. That school year, I promptly joined the struggling Queen Elizabeth Youth Volunteer Corps (QEYVC) at school. Observing the lack of student membership, I recruited enough students to make it the largest club in school. By June, the leaders graduated, and the group was left without direction.
My desire to continue our work prompted me to step-up, and serve on the Executive Committee for the last two years as Focus Leader, Liaison between CYFC and QEYVC, and Mentor. As Focus Leader I broadened our scope, stressing the importance of involvement within our school, community, and our world. I bring local service opportunities to the group through my role as Liaison between QEYVC and CYFC; like our commitment to Bethany Care Centre, a long-term care facility. I am a strong proponent of this branch of our program. Realizing the vital role of recreation in stimulating seniors, inspired me to lead weekly karaoke sessions at The Edgemont, an assisted living facility. Additionally, hoping to expand my contribution to CYFC’s citywide involvements, I joined their Steering Committee where I approve and find projects for local volunteers, and plan large-scale fundraisers like the Empty Bowls Gala.
I have discovered the importance of mentorship while working alongside volunteers, especially at Bethany Care. I encourage hesitant volunteers to make personal connections with the seniors and soon they realize that their actions are stimulating for the seniors and rewarding for themselves. It is essential for our volunteers to recognize the results of their efforts. Fundraising for KIVA, allows us to give micro-loans directly to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries. Observing their progress through updates. These are some of my efforts to help the volunteers realize the magnitude of change they are generating.
This year, as I prepare to leave this group, I am proud of our growth as a team and the maturity in each member. Personally, I have grown to be a more empathetic and dedicated individual, and I have realized my potential as a leader. My proudest accomplishment is knowing QEYVC has become a diverse group of well-rounded citizens, with a clear perspective of who we are and the passion to continue. Other Involvements: I serve as Treasurer for Knights for Darfur, a student committee dedicated to raising awareness about the genocide in Darfur. We have executed multimedia presentations and run several successful fundraising campaigns. I have coordinated the Grade Nine Farewell Committee and was the Grade Representative for Student Council. I am also involved in teaching children to read, as an active member of Reading Buddies, at the local library.
Since I hope to enter a career engineering, I believe strongly in promoting non-traditional careers for girls. Representing Calgary at the 2009 WISEST Summer Research Program at the University of Alberta has empowered me even more to continue to promote this cause as I prepare for a presentation in the spring.
Submitted by E.D., Gr. 4 Student from Red DeerPublished December 20
Hi, I want to tell you how I show leadership everyday and in the future.
I never throw out my old clothes, I give them to charity and I never hurt my cats Muscles and Shashal, I always feed them and clean their litterbox. I always feed my grandparents’ dog Merlo. I help people when they are hurt and I always take out the garbage and handwash dishes instead of using the dishwasher and when I do that my Mom doesn’t have to. I never litter and when I have plastic bags I wash them and reuse them. I do not keep the lights on when nobody’s home and I take bottles to the bottle depot. I hand in my homework on time and I don’t fuss about doing my chores or homework. I always make my bed when I get up out of bed. I always share and when I see someone alone I will play with them or ask them to join mine and my friends’ game and ask them what’s wrong if they have a sad face. I never throw away plastic.
Now I will tell you what I plan to do in the future. I really want to get a paper route when I am older. I really like to babysit my younger cousin, so I think I will be a good babysitter when I am older. When I get a car I am going to get one of those little smart cars that are solar powered.
I want to be an artist when I grow up so I can draw things to warn people about life threatening things like Global Warming and how to stop it. I want to warn people about what is hurting the environment and how to stop things from destroying it. If I ever had lots of money I would give poor towns money for a landfill and lots of food and water for the poor. I would rebuild towns that have been burned by a volcano or ripped apart by an earthquake. I will make products out of recyclable things like number 2 plastics.
I think being environmentally friendly will be good for the world and I will keep being environmentally friendly and doing all the other things for the world.
Submitted by V.L., Gr. 5 Student from Lethbridge, AlbertaPublished December 20
Hello, I am 10 years old. I go to school and live in Lethbridge. I’m in grade five and I’m in leadership. I’m in AMA Patrol so I can help people cross the street safely. I live in Lethbridge Alberta and it’s a beautiful place. I’m also involved in pennies for pets and you raise money for the humane society.
I have many different leadership roles. My favourite leadership roles are Office Duty and Playground Pals. In Playground Pals I meet little kids and play with them. You also learn from them and you meet their friends. I also like Playground Pals because I don’t want little kids to feel left out. In office duty you get to answer phone calls. You also help people find their way to where they’re supposed to be. You have a lot of responsibility because you leave messages for the principal or an adult and get students lunches.
I’m also involved with Dance outside of school. I Dance at the Dance works academy and I go every Wednesday for my favourite class. My favourite class is hip-hop because you have to move really fast and you twirl a lot. You get down on the ground and back up and it is fun because you move fast.
The reason why I joined leadership is because I feel confident that I can be a leader. To be a true leader I have to follow the rules and be places on time. To be a leader you should always believe in yourself. I want to say thanks for taking your time and reading my striving for excellence essay.
Submitted by M.M, Gr. 9 Student from St. Paul, AlbertaPublished December 19
I am a grade 9 student who attends school in a small town called St. Paul located in northeastern Alberta. Even though it is a small town there is a lot to do. To some people leadership is a word they only heard of but don’t think they can do it because they don’t live in a big city. That is definitely not true.
I was elected this year for my students union as secretary and am in my third year involved in students union. I really enjoy it because it helps me get involved with my fellow class mates and all the people around me. It also gives me a lot of experience with meeting new people and mostly because it’s a lot of fun. I get to volunteer with helping with fundraisers and activities for our school which I enjoy a lot.
I am a very athletic person and enjoy doing all the school sports that are offered. This year I was captain for my volleyball team and felt really privileged. The one thing I enjoy about being on a team is being with my teammates and always having a good time no matter whether we’re winning or losing. I also enjoy going to tournaments because I get to meet new people and go places I’ve never been before. For me being on any kind of team is an awesome feeling because you learn a lot. I am the type of person who likes to win but that’s not what it’s about for me. Sports are what I love to do and I don’t care if I win or lose as long as I’m enjoying myself and having a good time.
This past summer I attended the Gold Eye Leadership Camp and had a great time. I learnt a lot of new things and met some great new people. I used to think leadership was just work without getting paid and taking charge but now I know leadership is a lot of things. I learnt leadership can be something small you can do or something bit but both are acceptable. Leadership is one word that has a huge meaning and means a lot to me in life. Thank you for your time.