Editor
Avery
On this page we will introduce you to many Leaders……..with Swag. You will find that a normal kid like you can make a huge impact on your community. And they live right here in your backyard. Well, not literally. You’re never too young to make a difference, so don’t look down on yourself, look UP to yourself!
If you were queen of the world, what would be the first thing you would do?
If I were queen of the world, I would create one day where everyone went out to do something special or beneficial to help others or help the planet, and not think of themselves first.
How did you come up with the idea of the walk for skin cancer?
I went to a Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Camp in the summer of 2012, and we all left the camp with a community service project. I decided on hosting a walk but I didn’t know where I wanted to donate. I went home, and did research on cancer centers in Maryland, because I liked the idea of presenting the money to the center personally. I found MD Anderson and immediately became attached. I knew later the cancer center was in Texas, and I had to either give up personally giving the money to the center, or the cancer center. I discovered that MD Anderson is also where my Grandma Cashie went to be treated for Skin Cancer. That is how I decided on a walk for skin cancer.
What challenges did you face in the process?
There were many challenges during the process. In the beginning I wanted to have a BIG special walk to start. I had to keep my eye on the main goal of 25 people, and $300. I also had to talk to managers, have meetings with the volunteers, and also keep up with my schoolwork and obligations to the family.
What do you think was your biggest accomplishment during the project?
I believe my biggest accomplishment during the project was donating the money and having so many of my friends come out so early in the morning to help and support me.
How long was the project start to finish?
I started the project as soon as camp ended on June 29th. The project technically hasn’t finished; I’m still working on the next walk happening in 2013. This is now a never-ending project, since the walk has now become an annual hosting.
What do you think is the most important quality for a leader to have?
I think there really isn’t just one most important quality; all the qualities reflect on the others. But some important qualities that should be shown from a leader are strength, courage, responsible, encouragement, determination, and being able to inspire others.
How has this experience changed you?
This has notified me on how hard it is to take on a big project, especially while in school. This also shows me there’s a lot of work behind these types of events. This also gives me a well-known name in my neighborhood and community.
Who is the most influential person you know? Why?
The most influential person I know has to be either my parents or my older brother. My parents teach me, and try to guide me in the right direction to be a good and influential person to my younger siblings. My older brother helps me with homework, and shows me the ropes to being good and following rules; sometimes he shows me the way NOT to do something. Although, everyone influences me but I try to only follow the good people, like my parents, brother and friends.
This month we are interviewing............... Jillian Mark!
Jillian Mark is in the 8th grade at Arundel Middle School. She enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, shopping, and music. She is also very interested in helping others and making a difference. On November 4th, 2012, Jillian and ten of her friends help hosted a walk to earn money. Together, they raised $1,233.11 and donated it all to the MD Anderson Cancer Research. She designed this project after going to the Julie Foudy Leadership Camp lat summer.
Here is Jillian Mark (right), with US Women's Soccer player Julie Foudy (left), founder of the Julie Foudy Leadership Academy.
Picture of Jillian
This a picture of the whole group of kids involved in the walk for skin cancer
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