At Nazareth Academy there are many amazing students and there are a select few who also qualify as amazing leaders. Being a student-leader is not easy, but despite hard work that comes with the title, students at every grade level have proven to be able to rise to the challenge of leading their classmates.
In a survey completed by 44 random Nazareth students, over half said that one of the most important qualities in a leader is having confidence. The second most important quality, according to the same group, is good communication skills. They reported that the third most important quality of a leader is motivation.
A proven leader in the Freshman class is Christian Malachuk. He is a member of the Nazareth football team and is a leader on the varsity roster. Malachuk said, “The hardest part about being a leader is to stick as a leader and it can be hard to stay with that mentality.” The mentality of being a leader is knowing that you have a responsibility for those who follow in your footsteps.
A demonstrated leader in the Sophomore class is Grace Degnan who is a part of a number of organizations and clubs at Nazareth including Youth Initiative, Snowball, SMILE, and Fish. “I try to get other people involved and that is how I exhibit leadership in those clubs,” said Degnan.
When asked about what she believes are the most important qualities of a leader, Degnan said, “To be patient and understanding while also being assertive.” Leadership is a difficult task and it can only be taken on by those who are willing to grow with those around them and who they are attempting to lead.
A strong leader in the Junior class is Maria Nelson who is a member of the Pom and Dance team, an executive on the Junior Board, and a part of Youth Initiative. The most important leadership qualities in her opinion are to be an approachable person and to be confident in yourself. Nelson said, ¨With Junior Board, I try to work to meet the needs of the whole school.”
A seasoned leader in the Senior class is Hagan Perfect who is a member of the Cross Country and Volleyball teams as well as a member of the Chess and Baking Clubs. Perfect exhibits leadership in his role as Captain on both the volleyball and cross country teams. Perfect said that being kind and setting a high standard are two important leadership qualities.
Perfect said, “The hardest part about being a leader is keeping people under control because people want to have fun but in some situations you need to stay focused and do what you’re supposed to be doing.” Being a captain on a sports team as an upperclassman allows you to shape the underclassmen on the team into better members of the Nazareth community.
Dean of Students and Head Football Coach Tim Racki believes that the most important leadership qualities are a good work ethic, focus, and loyalty. Racki shared some advice with would-be student leaders, “First and foremost by lead by example, be on time, be an active participant in class as well.”
Student leaders will transfer their best leadership skills into college and beyond. There are many great examples of professional leaders all around Nazareth and into our surrounding communities. Jeremy Strayer is the Head of Trading Operations for BP’s trading in the Americas. He said that the most important leadership qualities are to be authentic and consistent.
“Teenagers can be leaders by getting involved and not being intimidated. Leadership comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes, and getting involved and staying active is a good way to demonstrate leadership,” said Strayer.
Being a leader doesn’t mean that you have to be the most vocal person in the room and oftentimes the leadership actions that you perform overshadow the words you speak. Take it from the actions of the students you see taking on leadership roles all around.
