Lean On Me.

"It doesn't matter where you came from, but it matters where you are going."
-Josh Shipp

I remember us in eighth grade feelin' like we ruled the school. We were big and tough and that was a good feeling. That year in our lives came to an end as we entered the high school and we no longer ruled the school. Back when we looked at seniors differently and THEY ruled the school. I remember looking at some of those seniors and imagining what I would be like my senior year. Well not much has changed for me! I'm still 5'2, I am a little smarter, and a lot more stressed. :-) But over the years, I have seen the transformation and growing up that my classmates have experienced since freshman year.

This past weekend I attended my first and last AASC Convention down in the valley. Fifteen hundred student council members from around Arizona came together at Cactus High School to bond, discuss leadership, and PARTY! From magical sky divers to astonishing fireworks, and from extreme attire to SWAG (free stuff) , it was a great experience. Throughout the convention, we sat in the gym listening to several inspirational speakers. Several points throughout each speech stuck with me and every speaker mentioned that we, the student council members, are the leaders of our school.

But looking outside of student council I see several leaders throughout our school, many of them being seniors. (Whoot, whooot! :)) I enter my classes with nothing but leaders surrounding me. Our senior class is filled with many intelligent people who are willing to help each other succeed when they are struggling, and this is a beautiful thing. I see leaders throughout our athletics! I laugh when people say small town athletes don't get recognized as much. It doesn't matter the city or town you live in because if you are talented you will get recognized wherever you are. Our athletic programs have been doing an outstanding job this winter season and the victories have been produced by a team effort which of course, have been led by the LEADERS. The teammates who spread the good attitude are the ones their team can rely on and attitude is like wildfire; a negative attitude can tear down great talent where an optimistic attitude can be the key to winning opportunities.

I have come across the word LEADER way too many times this year, between school and scholarships. But leadership is a big deal and we are lucky to have a backbone of support through our struggles and our accomplishments as well.

This weeks blog is summed up to leadership as I take time this week to recognize the amazing leaders throughout our school. Whether it's spreading optimism to your team and to your fans or even making a simple effort to help your peers in any way, you are a leader making a difference and keep that in mind. Take pride in your good deeds and continue to do the small actions that play a big role in your life and the lives of others.

P.S.

Congratulations RJ, 2x STATE CHAMPION!!! You are a very talented young man. And for our girls and boys basketball teams...keeping working for the victories. Much love seniors.