Leadership in action: Being involved in so many activities has helped shape who I am. Serving as co-cheer captain, an AFJROTC Public Affairs officer and vice president of Future Business Leaders of America has taught me responsibility, leadership and how to work with different people. Those experiences helped me grow both inside and outside the classroom.

Mentors who made a difference: Mrs. Gessner Harris. She showed me leadership and what Black excellence looks like in action. I’m truly honored to have been influenced by her. At school, FBLA advisor Ms. Vanita Smalls has had a huge impact on me. She always supports me, shows up to my events and pushes me to do better.

Balancing it all: I usually joke that you need a lot of calendar planners, but the real answer is my support system. My coaches, teachers, friends and family motivate me to keep going and remind me that all the work is worth it.

Strength through discipline: Being involved in cheer and weightlifting has taught me discipline and consistency. I’m someone who lifts weights almost every day, and that routine helps keep me stay focused and strong both physically and mentally.

Looking ahead: I plan to attend Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and major in business management and accounting. I chose BCU because I want to continue learning about my history and be surrounded by a community that reminds me what it means to be young, gifted and Black.

Words to live by: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou 

Photos: Nicole Hamel