LeadAmerica students are incredibly diverse. They come from every state and more than 51 countries around the world. They aspire to virtually every career imaginable.

Each has a different story to tell. But they have one thing in common: they are passionate about their lives. Come meet some of them.

Sami Law & Trial Advocacy

Sami enjoyed both of her LeadAmeria experiences, but recalls Mock Trial as particularly memorable and influential. “Sami thrived on the pressure and sense of purpose required to work with her teammates, doing research in a legal library to put together a cogent set of arguments to defend their client in court,” says Sami’s mother, Linda. “In the mock trial, playing a defense lawyer, Sami had to publicly deal with an unruly and unpredictable witness who offered unexpected and damaging testimony. Sami had to think quickly, and she called on the skills she'd learned from her training in the mock trial preparatory lectures.”

“I'm convinced that [LeadAmerica] helped my daughter not only to be highly recruited by several top schools, but also helped her receive a generous merit-based scholarship to her favorite school, Mount Holyoke College.” Now a senior at Mount Holyoke, Sami was the recipient of the college’s “Leadership Scholarship” and has been an officer of the several campus organizations with which she volunteered.

Matthew Engineering & Robotics, Law & Trial Advocacy

Mathew, a sophomore, is a Student Ambassador for his school. He meets with an assigned group of freshmen throughout the year to help them transition to high school. As a senior, Matthew will travel to the four feeder middle schools and lead character development workshops for students in grades 6 through 8.

“When Matthew returned from the program he definitely seemed more mature,” said his mother. LeadAmerica gave him the opportunity to grow as an individual, have fun with the engineering and robotics projects, and learn about careers in those fields.”

Matthew’s philosophy is that leadership education helps an individual become a stronger person and teaches you how to overcome adversity. Not everyone will become a leader, but the foundations of leadership are important in becoming a well-rounded individual.

Theresa Leadership University, Media & Journalism

Theresa lives by the words of Walt Disney: “All your Dreams will come true, if you have the courage to pursue them”. She believes that a leader is someone who is willing to stand up for what they believe is to be true and knows that change can only come with great sacrifice and their own personal dedication to their community, state and national government; these leaders know letting their voice be heard, and standing up for what is right.

Theresa believes that leaders initiate the change necessary to make a difference in their own life while bringing hope and encouragement to others who are in need of assistance. She has shown this in her own life by founding “Kids Caring for a Cause”, a volunteer service club at her school. The group hosts benefits to raise money for local charities such as ChildHelp USA, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Maggie’s Place, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and WIN Women in Need.

An outspoken advocate, Theresa has been invited to speak at public engagements such as ChildHelp USA and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She speaks to pre-teen girls about self esteem, addressed a recent ChildHelp USA annual luncheon speaking on “How Today’s Teens Can Make a Difference”, and at a Make a Wish event where her address was titled “Today’s Teens can Believe, Imagine and Achieve Leadership”.

Kayla CSI, Law & Trial Advocacy

Kayla, a sophomore, keeps busy with her church youth group or playing sports such as volleyball, basketball, gymnastics and participating in track & field. But most of all, she enjoys being a part of a community service activity called “Bouquets of Cheer”.

“Bouquets of Cheer” is an activity developed by students who found an opportunity to recycle flowers into bouquets and deliver them to local hospitals and retirement homes. Every other week Kayla and other students and gather recycled flowers from churches and hotels and turn them into bouquets.

One hospital patient left a lasting impression on Kayla. “I gave a flower arrangement to this one patient, and she was so overwhelmed by the random act of kindness that she began to cry. This really touched my heart because we thought we were doing something so small, and yet it had such an overwhelming effect! Everyone can get caught up in the value of ‘things’ that we forget the real happiness we have in life through service. If I know that I can make someone else happy, I shouldn’t hesitate to go out of my way to make that happen.”

Kayla aspires to be a doctor. “I have a desire to help others, and being in this community service activity has given me a desire to become a doctor so I can continue the act of giving.”

Sarah Leadership University, CSI

Sarah, a senior, is committed to the fight against illiteracy. She is a member of the planning committee for her community’s "Literacy Day Celebration". The event encourages the steadfast growth of literacy in the community while celebrating improvements. Held at the local mall, the event is considered a ‘living library’ where over 20 different tents are decorated in theme of famous books: Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, and Laura Ingalls Wilder to name a few. Volunteers dress like the book’s characters, read from the books and acting out the scenes, providing activities that parallel events in the book.

“My personal favorite tent this last year was the Laura Ingalls Wilder tent. Participants were able to churn butter and see some antique pieces like a wash board used back then.”

An annual event, "Literacy Day Celebration" attracts over 2,000 parents and students from the area. Sarah sees her work on the committee as a fun adventure. "The committee decides the themes and decorations for the different tents. We design costumes and have book distribution companies donate books to be handed out in each of the tents."

To learn more about literacy, visit the National Institute for Literacy.

Joshua CSLC Medicine & Healthcare

Joshua, a senior, is active at school through baseball, serving as a member in the student-run television station, and participating in school plays for the past two years.

Attending LeadAmerica instilled in Josh a desire to increase awareness of health issues affecting impoverished countries. He established Citizens of the World Society (a/k/a “COWS”). Along with AIDS and malaria awareness, the organization’s goal is to bring in donations to the society to aid in paying for malaria vaccinations in African countries. Citizens of the World has become one of the strongest philanthropic groups on campus with new members joining each week.

“Everything we do is for the education and awareness of health issues having huge effects in countries less advanced than the United States, and our goal is to get everyone to either take action or to donate to our causes” Joshua said. His other goal is to ensure the program’s success after he graduates and to implement organizations like COWS in other schools. “I am currently working on a step-by-step program for other schools to follow in order to begin their own successful organizations.”

Natalie Leadership University, NJLC Discover Law & the Courtroom, Discover Science

Natalie leads by serving others as a member of the National Junior Beta Club. Nominated to the program through her outstanding character, leadership ability, achievements, scholarship, and participation in community service, Natalie actively contributes to several service activities in support of the programs motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others. In one service activity at a local soup kitchen sponsored by P.A.D.S., Inc. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), Natalie learned to appreciate everyday blessings that we might otherwise take for granted. “I live in a homogeneous community, so I often do not come face-to-face with homeless people who are hungry and often times sleep outside,” Natalie says. “Helping at the food shelter made me more aware of different social classes in America and made me feel very thankful for what I have.”

In addition to her participation in National Junior Beta Club, Natalie is a member of the Art and Science clubs, she plays the clarinet in symphonic band and the tenor saxophone in Jazz band, and has played competitive soccer since she was seven. Her special honors and awards include the Academic Achievement Award, Art Award, Citizenship Award, Highest Honor Roll every quarter, and the Perfect Attendance Award. Natalie also won the gold medal at the 2007 Regional and Illinois State Science Fairs for her project on Human Memory.

http://www.betaclub.org

Wesley Leadership University, National Leadership Summit (formerly Congressional Forum)

Wesley is a recent high school graduate from Virginia with a passion for stewardship in his community. An alumnus, Wesley realized his enthusiasm for community service after hearing LeadAmerica’s Founder Chris M. Salamone, Esq. speak on courage, honor and great achievements. “He really helped me realize that even if I am going through a lot, I will be great as long as I do what I feel is right,” Wesley tells us. Since he felt like community service would be his way to greatness, he began to utilize his service in many ways. He is heavily involved in many projects and organizations, such as Gospel Rescue Ministries, Virginia Democrats, Single Parents Alliance, and an environmental action group.

Wesley is also heavily involved in politics and has spent much time volunteering for Virginia Democrats. He spoke before the Virginia Board of Education when a concern for placement of students with special education needs arose. It’s an issue close to his heart and he believed speaking for the parents of such students was a necessity for him. “I understood the situation the parents were in and believed that they had a right to place their kids in the school of their choice, so I stood up for them.” Wesley is also a strong advocate for social security and writes letters to Congress on why he believes they should sustain the program instead of remove it.

Wesley’s greatest achievements have come from his work with Single Parents Alliance. “Everyday, I see unmet needs of people from state, federal and human services. Families with only one parent struggle enough as it is, so this organization strives to help them find jobs.” Since Wesley began volunteering with Single Parents Alliance, over 250 people have been able to secure jobs with the organization’s help.

Wesley hopes to become a teacher, with an emphasis in special education. “I volunteer at an elementary school in a classroom for autistic kids. I also help supply toys and school supplies that I know would benefit their learning.”

Annie CSLC, Leadership University United States Military Academy

When I went to LeadAmerica's Leadership University, I was presented with a lot of firsts: it was the first time I had gone to Washington, DC; it was the first time I had been so far away from my family for an extended period of time; and it was the first time I had ridden on an airplane. It was also the first time I really felt like I belonged. The young adults at that leadership conference were remarkably different from what I expected. I could tell that the people I spent that week with were going to be leaders. I was impressed by how much I learned at the conference and by how much I really fit in. I felt as if I was in my element with so many intelligent, gifted peers who were headed for success.

The environment at LeadAmerica was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The Team Leaders, and students were equally capable and competent in their abilities, and sure of each other. LeadAmerica not only taught me valuable "leadership" skills, but it gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue my dream.

People where I live never expected me to be accepted to one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. I remember telling my sophomore English teacher that I wanted to go to West Point and she just laughed and said, "well good luck with that," like it was impossible. Two years later I proved her wrong, and I walked up to her and said, "By the way, I got appointed to West Point." I never had people other than my family to tell me, "If you believe it, you can achieve it." Attending the LeadAmerica conference helped me to embrace that idea and gave me the determination I needed to pursue my dream. Now, I am living my dream.

If I want something, I'm going to get it. I can honestly say that LeadAmerica, my team leaders, and my fellow students have a lot to do with my achievement. I break tradition. I am unconventional and I refuse to be stereotyped. I don't like to meet expectations, but to exceed them. Thank you LeadAmerica for allowing me to come to these realizations, to find myself, and to achieve the dream.

Annie is attending the United States Military Academy at West Point and fulfilling her dream. Read more about her desire to attend West Point >>

Daniel Alumni, CSLC Business and Entrepreneurship

Community Service Activities
Adopt a School Project
Charity Ball

Leadership Activities
Student Council Class Representative
Adopt a School Vice-President
National Honor Society Member
Model United Nations Treasurer

Favorite Subjects in School
English
Information Technology in a Global Society

Best Moment at LeadAmerica Conference
In the group activity "Lego Design", our TL Group made a design using Lego pieces. The design was quite complex, so it required many people working together. Half of the students had to put blindfolds on and enter a circle marked by a rope. These students were to assemble the Lego pieces. The other half remained on the outside of the circle and had to give design instructions to the blindfolded design group using only non-verbal communication.
Those of us outside the circle had access to the Lego shape so we could tell those inside if they were doing the right thing. We used claps indicating, "yes" or "come here and pick up the Lego piece". Stomp meant "wrong or no".

I learned that cooperation is vital when working towards an objective. Every person must contribute toward reaching a goal. And we saw how leaders emerge d to ensure everyone was doing their job. It was one of many great learning experiences.  

Why you would recommend LeadAmerica to a friend
LeadAmerica conferences are a great way to meet people from different places and learn things you wouldn't ever experience in a classroom.

Anything else you want to share? Dreams, Goals?
I think the conference taught us how to bring out the leader is inside of us. And it prompted us to start thinking about what we want to be and what we want to represent to those around us.

Lily Alumni, CSLC Business and Entrepreneurship

Community Service Activities
40 hours: Orphanage
100 hours, 2002-2003: Retirement Center Visits
80 hours 2002-2003: English Tutor

During my freshman year in high school, we visited an orphanage once a week. Most of the babies were about one year old and had been abandoned. We spent our time holding, feeding and playing with the babies. I continued visiting the orphanage my entire freshman year and I really enjoyed doing something for my community.

Leadership Activities
Junior Class Treasurer/Student Government Officer: 2003-2004
Homeroom Representative: 2002-2003

Job
Worked at Honeywell Turbocharging Systems (Shanghai) as an Assistant for the Ordering Department, Summer 2003

Favorite subject in school
Biology

Best Moment at LeadAmerica Conference
At the conference, we were divided into small groups. In my group 5 (out of 8) students were from outside of the United States (China, Germany, Switzerland, Ghana and India). This created an interesting dynamic for our team.

Our main task was to simulate a new company. Each of us took a position on the Executive Board. I was the CEO of our cleaning service company, called "At Your Service". We conducted research on our potential market, planned advertising and calculated our costs and profits. We developed strategies and built our own company culture (human resources).
We each took a position that we thought we'd be successful at and worked through plans together. Near the end of the conference, we presented our company concept to a panel of judges (including an MIT student and a Harvard professor). Our peers and the judges selected our group as the best prospect for a new company. Our team was so proud!

Why you would recommend LeadAmerica to a friend?
It was a wonderful experience; there was a lot of learning but also at the same time a lot of fun!

Anything else you want to share? Dreams, Goals?
The conference was great. It helped me gain a deep understanding of today's business and leadership roles. I'm now certain that I'll major in business and/or law in college

Renee is a writer.

“I write whenever I sit down and have the chance, without having to worry about a million other things. I write in my room, at school, at work, anywhere really. Whenever I get inspiration to write, I write”, says the 17 year old 12th grader from New Jersey.

“I write all different types of poetry. Sometimes I just write and it starts to form its own beat. But I never plan how it’s going to come out. My writing has matured as I’ve gotten older. I usually write depending upon my mood. When I’m happy, lonely, upset, mad, frustrated, anxious, confused, worried, or anything really, it is reflected in my poetry.”

Renee has plans to attend West Point after high school. She is currently in the process of applying.

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