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Who Are The Inspiring Leaders?

Newly elected Student Council Officers reflect on leadership & the individuals who inspire them.

What does it mean to be a leader? And who are the most inspiring leaders in the world today? These are some of the questions recently posed to the newly elected Long Valley Middle School Student Council who were officially sworn in at last week’s Board of Education Meeting.

Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Princess Diana and Abraham Lincoln, were the people who the students said were most inspiring to them.

For Taylor Rahman, newly elected Student Council President, Princess Diana, as well as Hillary Clinton proved to be powerful and inspirational leaders. 

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“I have always loved Princees Diana because she was for the people. Even though the royal family didn’t agree with she was doing, she did what she believed in. She cared about people,” said Rahman.

She said, “Hillary Clinton has also been a huge inspiration for me because of how far she has come, and all that she has accomplished. I believe she was able to do this because her father supported her and encouraged her to do as much as she could.”

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Student Council Vice President Kylie Wilson looked back into the past to a leader whom she admires.

“I am a fan of Abraham Lincoln because he did away with slavery,” said Wilson.

Treasurer Owen Shannon said he had strong admiration for President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

“Michelle Obama has been a huge inspiration. She is someone who has really tried to make a difference in the world with all of the charities she supports and I think she has utilized her position as first lady very well,” said Shannon.

Laura Boiko, Student Council Treasurer agrees that Michelle Obama is someone to be admired.

“She chose to do a lot in her position. She has worked hard to make people aware of the problems with childhood obesity and how important it is to get out and exercise. I think she has been making a big difference,” said Boiko.

Boiko said she is also really inspired by Sarah Palin because of her support of so many charities and for her determination to run for president.

“I think the fact that she ran for president and got as far as she did, is an inspiration,” said Boiko.

The students also weighed in on what it means to be a leader and what they hope to bring to their class in their new position. 

“Being a leader means being a role model. You don’t have to be someone special, but you need to bring to the table what the students want,” said Rahman.

“Leadership means you have people looking up to you to do a job, and you can’t let them down,” said Wilson.

For Shannon, leadership means being someone whom others can rely upon.

“I think being a good leader and being part of the student council means being someone whom students can turn to about anything,” Shannon said.

He said ultimately, in their roles on the council, they need to be focused on what the students want and need.

Boiko agrees with Shannon.

“We have the responsibility to find out what the students want and make it happen,” said Boiko.

She said among the things that she believes her fellow classmates want are more social events, more fun and calendars posted outside of homerooms that list homework assignments so students can make sure they bring home the binders and books needed each day.

But when it comes to what the students see as most important in the world, acts of charity and compassion and a commitment to living a more joyful life were priorities.

Rahman said she would like to establish a soup kitchen because it’s important that everyone be well fed and nourished.

“I would like to start a soup kitchen in the community and then expand it so everyone is fed. No one should go without a meal,” Rahman said.

Wilson said not only would she like to make sure that students enjoy the school year, but she would also like to encourage more community involvement such as getting involved with the food pantry.

“It would be great if students bring a can of food to donate when they come to an event,” said Wilson.

Boiko said she thought more effort should be put into helping the homeless in this country.

And for Shannon, the key to a better community and world is to stop sweating the small stuff.

“Everyone is always worrying about the littlest thing. We should let this go, if we did, we would have a happier world,” Shannon said.

For him, leaders can be found everywhere. He said that anyone who is aiming to make the world a better place, whether they are in government or not – is a leader.

His mission as a leader on the Student Council is clear.

He said, “I think our goal should be to take a school that is already great and turn it into something we have only imagined.” 

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