Atwood Leadership and Service Scholarship

Service in leadership is essential because it inspires others, fosters personal growth, and strengthens communities. Someone exemplifying leadership is beyond giving orders but someone who serves and motivates those around them. The theatre magnet program at my school has consistently put up incredible performances, and as President, I was excited to end the year off with the thrilling musical “Once on This Island.” However, about two weeks before opening night our director had to step away due to unforeseen circumstances. This was devastating to everyone involved in the production. There were so many key components to the show that were incomplete, so this situation made me, and my peers, feel a bit hopeless. Our director was the backbone for everything involving the theatre department, so without him it left everyone looking to me for guidance and direction. Truthfully, I was just as frustrated and uncertain as them. However, I refused to allow this unfortunate event hold us back from putting on an amazing performance that we worked so hard for. I was quick on my feet and emailed everyone within the performing arts magnet program to help assist us with this show. I constantly scheduled meetings with the light and sound director, the artistic director and even the principal to ensure that we had all the resources to put on this show. I was able to find someone to supervise us as we rehearsed after school because I refused to miss any practice time. I also contacted a few people outside of school that I knew had artistic expertise to assist us with any vocals and the technical aspects. Most importantly, I uplifted all my peers and encouraged them to keep their head lifted during such a challenging time. This situation was the biggest test of my leadership. I was filled with overwhelming stress and concerns about the nature of the production but to see how all my peers came together, that truly gave me the strength to push forward. It allowed me to step up, guide them and ensure we were all focused on our goal. Overall, this experience taught me that leadership is not only about making decisions, but it is also about uplifting others to work together in the face of hardship. As I venture off into the next phase of my life by heading off to college and pursuing my professional and personal goals, I will continue to make it my duty to serve in leadership. In college, I plan to get involved in organizations that foster leadership, education, and diversity. I want to be able to use my voice to uplift others as I navigate through college. Through mentorships and peer support, networking with others will allow me to fully step out of my comfort zone and strengthen my leadership. For my personal and professional goals, I plan to continue to use my leadership skills throughout my career. As an upcoming communications student, I want to continue to always implement leadership through everything I do. Leadership is essential for any career choice, and I want to develop skills that could help me grow in my field of study. I want to enhance my communication skills, so that way I can continue to inspire others whether its through my writing or even speaking engagements. Leadership means taking control of your future and I plan to develop skills that allow me to be successful and, in the position, to help others. Leadership is about service and the impact on others, and I want to continue to carry that with me in every aspect of my life.

Leadership, to me, is about service. It is about putting the needs of others first and inspiring them to reach their full potential. I have been fortunate to demonstrate leadership both on the baseball field and in the Tallahassee Kappa League, and these experiences have shaped how I understand what it truly means to lead. As a leader on my baseball team, I realized early on that leadership is not about having authority but about being someone others can trust and rely on. I worked hard to lead by example, showing my teammates the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Whether it was stepping up during tough games, staying after practice to help a teammate improve, or bringing energy and positivity to the team, I made it my goal to ensure everyone felt supported and motivated. Over time, I earned the respect of my teammates, not by demanding it, but by showing my commitment to our shared success. This experience taught me that leadership means nothing if the people you are leading are not willing to follow you. In the Tallahassee Kappa League, I took on a different kind of leadership, one that focused on serving my community. I worked with my brothers in the organization to promote events, help the less fortunate, and uplift the people around us. One of my proudest moments was helping organize a community event that brought people together to support a local charity. I made sure everyone in the group was involved and contributed, creating a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Seeing how our efforts positively impacted the community was deeply rewarding, and it strengthened my belief that service is at the heart of great leadership. These experiences have shown me how important it is to serve others as a leader. It is not about standing in the spotlight but about rolling up your sleeves and doing the work that helps everyone succeed. As I enter my university community, I plan to use these skills to contribute in meaningful ways. I want to join organizations that focus on service and leadership development, using my experiences to bring people together and create opportunities for growth and collaboration. My leadership skills will also play a big role in helping me achieve my personal and professional goals. I dream of starting my own skateboarding brand, and I know that leading a business requires the ability to inspire others and build strong, supportive teams. Whether it is guiding employees or collaborating with designers, I will rely on the lessons I have learned about communication, empathy, and leading by example to build a brand that makes a positive difference. For me, leadership is not just about being in charge. It is about serving others and creating an environment where everyone can grow and succeed. Whether on the baseball field, in my community, or in my future business, I want to help people believe in themselves, work together, and move forward.