The Initial Letter
This is it. The beginning of the end. It feels like just yesterday we were freshmen on our first day and Jack Nelson was bullying Troy and I. There is no longer any elders to look up to because, well, we are those elders. In all honesty, I’m not really sure how this year is going to go. I feel like we have a lot of new kids, and many of them with only a little experience. Maybe I’m just overreacting and the seniors feel this way every year in leadership, but it is just how I’m feeling at the moment. We actually have a plethora of seniors this year compared to last, with almost half the class being seniors. The junior class also has a decent amount of students who are going into their third year of leadership, so that helps to provide some more experience. I think only half of the sophomores that were freshmen last year got back into the class. Unlike last years freshmen, this years are afraid to talk or speak up. That’s what it seems like at least, although this is only our second week of school. They all just sit there like mutes. I was really surprised with them because in all honesty, I was expecting them to be similar to last years freshmen. Last year they were very outgoing and comfortable with everyone. When my class were freshmen we were not scared to talk and give our two cents. Maybe it has something to do with a larger senior class being more intimidating to the younger kids or something, because the numbers were small in seniors my freshman year. I also wasn’t at Core Camp this year for the first time, so I was unable to see how the class bonded there and if the freshmen were more open. In all honesty, I am probably overreacting and I should be more optimistic about the school year. We are better off than what I am seeing at the moment. Once we get into the swing of things class should run smoothly because once again, there are even less people who will mess around. The numbers of those kids seem to be getting smaller every year. It’s up to Troy, Evan and I to fill that role I guess.
Part I: Favorite Quotes
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” -Michael Jordan
This quote is one of my favorites because of the power it possesses. Michael Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest basketball player and even athlete of all time, is admitting here that failure is a part, if not essential, to success. I tend to be scared to fail, but in reality I shouldn’t be. If someone as great as Michael Jordan can fail and be completely okay with it, then there is no reason why I should be scared of failing, right? This helps me to put away those fears of failing because it shows that no matter how much you fail, success will follow eventually.
“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” -Michael Scott
I love this quote by the great Michael Scott because A.) I love the office and B.) it truly is a great quote. If people love you so much that it scares them, then you are obviously doing something right. It is my goal to have people feel like this about me, because if I do accomplish this, I have achieved something that is very difficult to reach. Not every person can possess so much power that those around them fear how much they love them.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” -Batman
The quote above, from the movie Batman Begins, is a very good quote to me. Everybody has different faces that they put on for different crowds of people, as Batman has a mask and suit he puts on when fighting villains. The thing is though, the faces you are able to put on do not matter. What really matters is what lies beneath all the faces, when you reach real flesh. That is when your true actions come out, the actions that define you as a human being. This quote reflects how I try to be the same around everyone. Sure, I will change a little bit to fit into certain crowds, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that what I do is always the same, regardless of the group I am with. My morals stay the same, because it is not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.
This quote is one of my favorites because of the power it possesses. Michael Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest basketball player and even athlete of all time, is admitting here that failure is a part, if not essential, to success. I tend to be scared to fail, but in reality I shouldn’t be. If someone as great as Michael Jordan can fail and be completely okay with it, then there is no reason why I should be scared of failing, right? This helps me to put away those fears of failing because it shows that no matter how much you fail, success will follow eventually.
“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” -Michael Scott
I love this quote by the great Michael Scott because A.) I love the office and B.) it truly is a great quote. If people love you so much that it scares them, then you are obviously doing something right. It is my goal to have people feel like this about me, because if I do accomplish this, I have achieved something that is very difficult to reach. Not every person can possess so much power that those around them fear how much they love them.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” -Batman
The quote above, from the movie Batman Begins, is a very good quote to me. Everybody has different faces that they put on for different crowds of people, as Batman has a mask and suit he puts on when fighting villains. The thing is though, the faces you are able to put on do not matter. What really matters is what lies beneath all the faces, when you reach real flesh. That is when your true actions come out, the actions that define you as a human being. This quote reflects how I try to be the same around everyone. Sure, I will change a little bit to fit into certain crowds, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that what I do is always the same, regardless of the group I am with. My morals stay the same, because it is not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.
Part II: Quote
“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection”
-Anonymous
I feel like this quote fits me well based on what I have done in the class and life this year. I haven’t always done everything perfectly, but I have done everything good enough to the point where the event can happen without major hiccups. I have finally come to peace with continuing to strive for perfection, while still allowing things to be good enough. The bottom line is you cannot be perfect all the time no matter how hard you try, so you have to be able to accept good enough so you don’t beat yourself up about minor things. I’ve learned this through beating myself up over things in life that I can’t control. This can apply to a lot of leadership students, as we are mainly similar people when it comes to wanting success and wanting things to be just right. It is important to reflect back on yourself and looking at your job from this point of view because something that didn’t seem very successful to you may have been very successful in the grand scheme of things. It also helps you to see the bigger picture, showing that this one small possible mistake is minute compared to everything else you are going to do in your life. Being able to accept making a mistake is actually a skill, as funny as that sounds, that many people don’t know how to do. If we aren’t taught to accept mistakes at a young age, then as we get older we don’t know how to handle adversity and shut down. This quote goes beyond leadership. It goes down into the foundation of your life.
-Anonymous
I feel like this quote fits me well based on what I have done in the class and life this year. I haven’t always done everything perfectly, but I have done everything good enough to the point where the event can happen without major hiccups. I have finally come to peace with continuing to strive for perfection, while still allowing things to be good enough. The bottom line is you cannot be perfect all the time no matter how hard you try, so you have to be able to accept good enough so you don’t beat yourself up about minor things. I’ve learned this through beating myself up over things in life that I can’t control. This can apply to a lot of leadership students, as we are mainly similar people when it comes to wanting success and wanting things to be just right. It is important to reflect back on yourself and looking at your job from this point of view because something that didn’t seem very successful to you may have been very successful in the grand scheme of things. It also helps you to see the bigger picture, showing that this one small possible mistake is minute compared to everything else you are going to do in your life. Being able to accept making a mistake is actually a skill, as funny as that sounds, that many people don’t know how to do. If we aren’t taught to accept mistakes at a young age, then as we get older we don’t know how to handle adversity and shut down. This quote goes beyond leadership. It goes down into the foundation of your life.
Part I: Goals
Leadership
- In my second year as Athletics Commissioner, I would like to be better than I was last year and provide an example for Anthony to follow. Being a trainee, I would assume he runs for it next year, probably along with Malery again, so I want to prepare them to have another successful year.
- Another goal of mine this year is for leadership is to put more effort into joining special committees. Instead of letting others run events and me sitting in the background, I want to delegate my time better and help out. With this being my final year in leadership, I want to be as involved as possible.
- One goal of mine is to learn how to speak up for myself when necessary. I try to avoid conflict when someone or something angers me, but I am going to speak up more. There is no use in complaining behind the scenes of things if you don’t try to change it. From now on I will speak up, because the worst that can happen is I get in trouble. If that happens, it will go away eventually.
- A different short term goal that I have is to pass all of my AP tests this year. I am realizing that I will not be able to slack off in these classes and I am starting to work harder in these courses. I will put in extra work and studying in order to reach these goals, especially Calculus.
- As I grow older I want to become a better person. I want to do the right thing, all the time, for the rest of my life. Sure, I will make mistakes because no one is perfect, but I can at least try to always do the right thing. If I live my life with that in mind, I think I will have a happy life.
- My last goal is to leave a lasting impact on people. Doing the right thing all the time can help out with this. Whether it is as small as a group of colleagues or as grand as a country, I want to leave an impact on people.
Part II: Goals
Leadership
- I feel like Malery and I did a good job in having Anthony help us with events, like Powder Puff, to give him an idea of how it is supposed to run. We ran it much more smoothly this year than last, but we did not get to do dodgeball following what has happened in the past weeks.
- I feel as though I was more involved this year than in years past with helping out around the classroom, versus sitting back and watching others do the work.
- I have done a better job this year of speaking up when I felt necessary, and it got us to a state title in football! This goal applied to football a lot, but also to the rest of my life as well. You can’t make a difference if you are scared to speak up, so I have been more conscious about that this year.
- Well, I would love to say I think I will pass my tests, but as of right now I don’t know if we are even going to be able to take our AP Tests. Just have to wait and see.
- This year I have taken a step in the right direction to becoming a better person, but it is something that I have to always be conscious of and analyzing so I can maintain that path.
- A state championship will leave a lasting impact on people, but I’m going to have a tough time finding something bigger this next year. All jokes aside, a lasting impact isn’t always something big, it can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, which I try to do wherever I go.
Part I: People Magazine Cover
Part II: People Magazine Article
Ever since he could walk, Nico Ilardi has had a passion for music. He grew up around it, always singing or dancing around the house, or just sitting there listening to music by himself. At 2 years old, he started his first music class, and it was only up from there. His mom was astonished by this. “The fact that he actually understood what was going on blew my mind and it made me think he could have a future in music. It was something that I had never seen before,” said his mom. As his mom predicted, his future starts today.
His first instrument he learned was the piano, with his mom giving him lessons until 5th grade. “I was a stubborn little kid and I didn’t want to listen to my mom any more, so I moved on to something else,” said Ilardi. Starting in sixth grade, Ilardi played the alto saxophone all the way through his college years at Arizona State. He was their first chair all 4 years, and he has always been interested in trying out more instruments. Along with the saxophone, he can play the piano, guitar, ukelele, harmonica, coronet, and he can even sing a little bit.
When he isn’t refining his musical skills, you can often find Ilardi on the links. Golf is a sport he has played his whole life, and what he originally thought he was going to be doing for the rest of his life. “In my early high school days, I thought I would be on the PGA Tour,” laughs Ilardi, “but I guess being a musician works out fine.” As a teen he improved very much and played in many tournaments over his high school summers. When asked about his transition from golf to music, Ilardi said, “They are very similar in the respect that there is no one else controlling how you play besides yourself. If you play a wrong note, it’s on you. Same thing if you hit a bad shot.” Music, like golf, has taught him to hold himself to a higher standard more than anything else in his life, he says.
One of his favorite things about music is that it lasts forever. As a child, he loved 70s and 80s music, and he even says that he believes he was born in the wrong decade. He even had his own record player with a collection of over 200 records. “I am definitely supposed to be from the 70s, but it just didn’t work out that way and here I am,” he says with a smile. Billy Joel is his favorite artist of all time, and he claims to know all of his songs. Pretty impressive, considering Joel has released 13 studio albums. He got into music because he wanted to be able to make an impact on people all over the world, exactly like he is doing. “To me, music really is a universal language. It doesn’t matter if it is in English or Spanish or any other language, you can still feel the music.” I wish him the best of luck in his long career that he has ahead of him.
His first instrument he learned was the piano, with his mom giving him lessons until 5th grade. “I was a stubborn little kid and I didn’t want to listen to my mom any more, so I moved on to something else,” said Ilardi. Starting in sixth grade, Ilardi played the alto saxophone all the way through his college years at Arizona State. He was their first chair all 4 years, and he has always been interested in trying out more instruments. Along with the saxophone, he can play the piano, guitar, ukelele, harmonica, coronet, and he can even sing a little bit.
When he isn’t refining his musical skills, you can often find Ilardi on the links. Golf is a sport he has played his whole life, and what he originally thought he was going to be doing for the rest of his life. “In my early high school days, I thought I would be on the PGA Tour,” laughs Ilardi, “but I guess being a musician works out fine.” As a teen he improved very much and played in many tournaments over his high school summers. When asked about his transition from golf to music, Ilardi said, “They are very similar in the respect that there is no one else controlling how you play besides yourself. If you play a wrong note, it’s on you. Same thing if you hit a bad shot.” Music, like golf, has taught him to hold himself to a higher standard more than anything else in his life, he says.
One of his favorite things about music is that it lasts forever. As a child, he loved 70s and 80s music, and he even says that he believes he was born in the wrong decade. He even had his own record player with a collection of over 200 records. “I am definitely supposed to be from the 70s, but it just didn’t work out that way and here I am,” he says with a smile. Billy Joel is his favorite artist of all time, and he claims to know all of his songs. Pretty impressive, considering Joel has released 13 studio albums. He got into music because he wanted to be able to make an impact on people all over the world, exactly like he is doing. “To me, music really is a universal language. It doesn’t matter if it is in English or Spanish or any other language, you can still feel the music.” I wish him the best of luck in his long career that he has ahead of him.
Role Model
One of my role models is Patrick Mahomes. He is arguably one the most talented quarterbacks to ever play. I play quarterback, so I tend to admire the best NFL guys. I have three posters of quarterbacks up in my room, those being Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck, but I may need to be adding one. Along with being a great quarterback, Patrick Mahomes is also a great person. There are stories of the genuine and kind soul he is going back to seventh grade. If I could be absolutely anything in the world, I would probably want to be an NFL quarterback like Mahomes. I have tried recently to craft my game after him and watch his film, as he does things on the football field that are rarely seen. I also strive to have a drive like he does. Mahomes was picked tenth in the 2017 draft, but many people questioned him being selected so high, as he was coming from a Texas Tech team with a losing record. He didn’t let the naysayers get him down, and he ended up winning the MVP in his first season as a starter. If I can believe in myself like that, I think I will be able to accomplish all my goals in life.
Inner Animal
My inner animal is an Australian Shepherd. They are one of the smartest breeds of dogs, and I am a very smart breed of humans, so we have that in common. They are also balls of energy, and for the most part I have a lot of energy and can go for hours on hours. Australian shepherds have herding in their genes, and are generally used to herd cattle. I relate to this with my friends, as I feel like a herder at times keeping them all under control and safe. This can also be seen in my leadership, as I am the captain of the football and basketball team, and I can act as the herder for all the players, to make sure they are focused and ready to play. Lastly, they are very loving and get attached to people. My family has an Australian shepherd and I relate to him a ton. We are bros together and we always cuddle with each other. He loves me so much, and I would love to be him.
Part I: The Best Things About Me
Part II: The Best Things About Me
That's life (that's life) that's what people say
You're riding high in April
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said, that's life (that's life) and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks
Stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
'Cause this fine old world it keeps spinnin' around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate
A poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life) I tell ya, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate
A poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin' flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life) that's life
And I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cuttin' out but my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come here this July
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, my
-Frank Sinatra
The song “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra is a really powerful song that I actually heard the first time when I watched the movie, “The Joker”. First, I love it because Frank Sinatra has an amazing voice, one of the best in history. Aside from that, the lyrics are very accurate of life itself. There will be highs and lows in life every year, every month, and even every day even. I feel like I’ve experienced this more this year than I have in any year before and my life, and I couldn’t have heard this song soon enough for me. It helped me to realize that even though I’m down at some point, the thing probably won’t matter to me in a month so it’s not that big a deal. There will always be people trying to get you down because that’s just how the world is, but if you stay up you will be able to succeed.
You're riding high in April
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said, that's life (that's life) and as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks
Stompin' on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
'Cause this fine old world it keeps spinnin' around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate
A poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself flat on my face
I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life) I tell ya, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate
A poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin' flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life (that's life) that's life
And I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cuttin' out but my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shakin' come here this July
I'm gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die
My, my
-Frank Sinatra
The song “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra is a really powerful song that I actually heard the first time when I watched the movie, “The Joker”. First, I love it because Frank Sinatra has an amazing voice, one of the best in history. Aside from that, the lyrics are very accurate of life itself. There will be highs and lows in life every year, every month, and even every day even. I feel like I’ve experienced this more this year than I have in any year before and my life, and I couldn’t have heard this song soon enough for me. It helped me to realize that even though I’m down at some point, the thing probably won’t matter to me in a month so it’s not that big a deal. There will always be people trying to get you down because that’s just how the world is, but if you stay up you will be able to succeed.
Part I: Homecoming Activities
Part II: Homecoming Activities Continued
Part I: What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership
Being my fourth year in leadership, I have accumulated many memories that I am fond of. This year has been eventful like all of the last, and one of my favorite memories from this year is homecoming in its entirety. From another powder puff victory (and being undefeated in four years) to all the things I was able to participate in with being on court, there was a lot going on. And the dress up days my FAVORITE. Specifically, helping out with the float and dance were some of my favorite parts. Our senior officers did a good job organizing everything and our whole senior class was able to bond and have lots of fun at the events. I got to learn the Hoedown Throwdown, something that I would have never imagined doing before this year.
My second favorite memory from leadership this year is when Mr. Hobbs came in to critique our presentation to San Jose Valley Christian and absolutely destroyed it because it was terrible. It was comical because he had a million comments on every slide and we had over 30 to go through, yet we only got through like ten of them. It looked like a five year old had put it together, but after his constructive criticism we were able to change it and create a clean looking final project that led to a great presentation. Before his criticism they were a bunch of individual slides slapped together, but by the end they were a collective, cohesive unit.
My final favorite memory from the year this far is writing our soldier letters, but specifically the ones to Josh. I enjoy doing this every year because it gives us the opportunity to recognize soldiers that normally don't get any recognition, but to be able to send one to someone who we have a connection to through the leadership program, even though I don't personally know him, meant even more. I felt like I could be more personal and he would understand things, like our rivalry with Escalon and what football means here. Getting a response was the best part, because he took the time to write back to each one of us and make each one personal. Connections like that are what make life worthwhile, and I'm glad that I was able to make a connection like that this year.
These are just a few of the many wonderful memories that I have made this year in leadership. I can’t wait to see what the rest of year has to hold.
My second favorite memory from leadership this year is when Mr. Hobbs came in to critique our presentation to San Jose Valley Christian and absolutely destroyed it because it was terrible. It was comical because he had a million comments on every slide and we had over 30 to go through, yet we only got through like ten of them. It looked like a five year old had put it together, but after his constructive criticism we were able to change it and create a clean looking final project that led to a great presentation. Before his criticism they were a bunch of individual slides slapped together, but by the end they were a collective, cohesive unit.
My final favorite memory from the year this far is writing our soldier letters, but specifically the ones to Josh. I enjoy doing this every year because it gives us the opportunity to recognize soldiers that normally don't get any recognition, but to be able to send one to someone who we have a connection to through the leadership program, even though I don't personally know him, meant even more. I felt like I could be more personal and he would understand things, like our rivalry with Escalon and what football means here. Getting a response was the best part, because he took the time to write back to each one of us and make each one personal. Connections like that are what make life worthwhile, and I'm glad that I was able to make a connection like that this year.
These are just a few of the many wonderful memories that I have made this year in leadership. I can’t wait to see what the rest of year has to hold.
Part II: A Reflection of a Peer in Leadership
Niki is a wonderful human being. I couldn’t think of anyone else who was more deserving to win Winterfest Princess. She constantly goes out of her way to check in on others and make sure they are doing okay. She’s never too busy to help anyone, and even though her schedule is crazy busy she is always trying to do more. No matter when you text her she responds, because she basically never sleeps, so she’s available 24/7. She helps without hesitation and is a true Asian queen. I tease her a lot, but she knows that it’s out of love. Niki is a genuine person who cares for her friends deeply and will do anything for them. She is going to make a fantastic ASB president next year, and she will have the class running like a well oiled machine. Her organization skills are like no other (like who bullet journals?) and her ability to lead is even better.
Part I: RHS Pride
Part II: RHS Pride
Part I: What I Love to Do
One of my hobbies is collecting records. I really enjoy doing this and plan on continuing to do this for the rest of my life. I started it about three years ago or so when my aunt got me a record player for Christmas. At first I wasn't super into it because I was still younger, but as I have gotten older I have learned to appreciate records more. There is something different about listening to records versus listening to the same song on Apple Music or some other streaming service because it is just classic. I find extreme satisfaction in knowing that I looked through a giant stack of records to find my favorites and get to listen to them. Call me a nerd or call me old fashioned, but I really do love doing this. Typically I do it with Jeremiah, my best friend, because we have the same taste in music and both have record players. He loves to look for them too, and we found a bunch of old ones that his dad had in a storage unit and he says that he has more in another storage unit. We are so excited to look through them all because he had so many good ones in the other unit. I buy more records at least a couple times a month, if not more often.
Part II: Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
With me being at the final phase of my childhood, I want to thank you for your love and support over the last 18 years of my life. I’ve always had a wonderful roof over my head, food on the table, and nothing to want for because you guys provided me with it all. We are in unprecedented times right now, and I know that I might snap sometimes and seem a little cranky, but I appreciate you always checking on me to see how I am doing. You have supported me in every endeavor over the years, from all the rec leagues I ever played in, all the games you guys came to, all the losses that you’ve had to endure with me, to teaching me how to play piano and giving me my passion for music, when I said that I wanted to be in the band, and my absurd collection of records that isn’t going to stop growing any time soon. You even supported me in pursuing a fundraiser to get every kid in our football program safer helmets, which led to raising over $20,000. Now moving on to college, I am grateful that I won’t have to worry about debt, with my academic scholarship and you guys paying the rest of it. That means more to me than you know, and I want to be able to do the same for my kids one day. Please keep Gabbi in check while I am gone at college, and don’t get too mad at her when she is being a b word, it’s just the hormones. This isn’t a goodbye yet, and you guys now get an extra two months of my strictly at home because of the recent school closures, so lucky you! When the time comes it will be tough to say goodbye, but I am ready for the next chapter of my life, thanks to you guys.
Love, Nicolas
With me being at the final phase of my childhood, I want to thank you for your love and support over the last 18 years of my life. I’ve always had a wonderful roof over my head, food on the table, and nothing to want for because you guys provided me with it all. We are in unprecedented times right now, and I know that I might snap sometimes and seem a little cranky, but I appreciate you always checking on me to see how I am doing. You have supported me in every endeavor over the years, from all the rec leagues I ever played in, all the games you guys came to, all the losses that you’ve had to endure with me, to teaching me how to play piano and giving me my passion for music, when I said that I wanted to be in the band, and my absurd collection of records that isn’t going to stop growing any time soon. You even supported me in pursuing a fundraiser to get every kid in our football program safer helmets, which led to raising over $20,000. Now moving on to college, I am grateful that I won’t have to worry about debt, with my academic scholarship and you guys paying the rest of it. That means more to me than you know, and I want to be able to do the same for my kids one day. Please keep Gabbi in check while I am gone at college, and don’t get too mad at her when she is being a b word, it’s just the hormones. This isn’t a goodbye yet, and you guys now get an extra two months of my strictly at home because of the recent school closures, so lucky you! When the time comes it will be tough to say goodbye, but I am ready for the next chapter of my life, thanks to you guys.
Love, Nicolas
The Letter
Dear Malery and Anthony,
My children, it has been fun working with you guys this past year, and Malery for the last two years. I think that you guys basically have it all handled when it comes to Powder Puff and Dodgeball, but the Black Light Rally is going to be an adventure that I am sure you guys will absolutely love. I would say try to talk to Natalie about that, because she has ran that the last two years Sadly we weren't able to do our Dodgeball tournament this year, which is sad because it is a very fun event and I was looking forward to winning again and putting my team on the plaque, again. When it comes to plaques, get them done early, or else Morty will be on your butt about getting them done. Which you don't want, trust me. On Powder Puff, just try to emulate what we did this past year - oh wait, Malery was dead during Powder Puff - so Anthony, you'll have to lead on that. Thank you guys for being great partners and for being trustworthy enough that we can all have separate jobs and know that we are each going to get them done. A big recommendation that I have for next year is to not let a virus cut your school year short, as it kinda messes up events and what not. Other than that, have a great year next year and put on some great events.
-Nico
My children, it has been fun working with you guys this past year, and Malery for the last two years. I think that you guys basically have it all handled when it comes to Powder Puff and Dodgeball, but the Black Light Rally is going to be an adventure that I am sure you guys will absolutely love. I would say try to talk to Natalie about that, because she has ran that the last two years Sadly we weren't able to do our Dodgeball tournament this year, which is sad because it is a very fun event and I was looking forward to winning again and putting my team on the plaque, again. When it comes to plaques, get them done early, or else Morty will be on your butt about getting them done. Which you don't want, trust me. On Powder Puff, just try to emulate what we did this past year - oh wait, Malery was dead during Powder Puff - so Anthony, you'll have to lead on that. Thank you guys for being great partners and for being trustworthy enough that we can all have separate jobs and know that we are each going to get them done. A big recommendation that I have for next year is to not let a virus cut your school year short, as it kinda messes up events and what not. Other than that, have a great year next year and put on some great events.
-Nico
Do's and Don'ts List
- DO: Publicize events and put them in the announcements ahead of time if you want people to attend.
- DON’T: Don’t expect students to listen to the announcements.
- DO: In result of the last don’t, really make sure you start weeks before the event.
- DON’T: Procrastinate. Period.
- DO: Finish work on time. It makes Morty happier.
- DON’T: Act too cool to be spirited.
- DO: Your work thoroughly. Put time and effort into your stuff
- DON’T: Turn in paperwork late. A late facility use request form can mess up a whole event.
- DO: Be leaders in the crowd and CHEER at sports games.
- DON’T: Be on your phone in class
- DO: Stand out, in a good way. You’re the leaders on campus
- DO: Ask chaperones about events weeks in advance, and continue to remind them as it gets closer
- DO: Have fun.
The Contact List
George Gonzales (DJ from Sounds of Motion)
Phone - (209) 522-5999
Website - http://site.soundsinmotiondj.com
Address - 1315 J St., Modesto, CA 95354
Grand Events
Phone- (209) 569-0399
Address - 4623 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA 95356
IZA Design
Phone - 1-888-492-8337
Email - [email protected]
Website - http://www.izadesign.com
Just Rewards
Phone - 209-599-5851
Address - 203 W Main St., Ripon, CA 95366
Mr. Perez
Email - [email protected]
Karina Ilardi
Phone - (209) 605-3504
Email - [email protected]
Morty
Phone - (209) 541-6907
Email - [email protected]
Phone - (209) 522-5999
Website - http://site.soundsinmotiondj.com
Address - 1315 J St., Modesto, CA 95354
Grand Events
Phone- (209) 569-0399
Address - 4623 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA 95356
IZA Design
Phone - 1-888-492-8337
Email - [email protected]
Website - http://www.izadesign.com
Just Rewards
Phone - 209-599-5851
Address - 203 W Main St., Ripon, CA 95366
Mr. Perez
Email - [email protected]
Karina Ilardi
Phone - (209) 605-3504
Email - [email protected]
Morty
Phone - (209) 541-6907
Email - [email protected]
The Professional
The most important thing about being a professional leader in my opinion is time management. If you are unable to be efficient with your work, you will struggle to get things done on time and will constantly be stressed. This is something that I have battled all four years of high school, and will probably continue to plague me into college. I will say that I have gotten better at managing my time over the years, but just like anything else, there is always room for improvement. Managing your time wisely also allows you time to do other leisure things, like relaxing and watching Netflix or going golfing and hanging out with friends. With our current situation, although, I can only watch Netflix and relax, as most everything is closed. I love quarantine life. Proper time management will also help you to arrange your schedule and give you an idea of what you can and can't do, based on the workload you already have or prior events you had planned. This is one of the greatest assets to have because it can be applied to almost everything in life and will improve your life. You will definitely need this skill in the leadership class. The second most important thing about being a professional leader is public speaking. With all the emphasis that is put on it in our class, it is essential. I feel that Mr. Hobbs coming in to observe us with our presentations this year has really helped, as he is brutally honest (even more-so than Morty) and doesn't hold back what he thinks. His high expectations combined with his honesty gives us exceptional feedback on where we have room to improve. This, along with our packets that we received, contribute to an advanced knowledge of public speaking that you cannot get from any other class on campus. We also have many opportunities to utilize these skills, with our formal speeches and speaking out at the ASB meetings. If you can manage time and speak publicly, you will go far in this class and life.
Change
This year had been a really great one until now, with the rest of it being taken away from us due to unforeseen circumstances. We were just ready to have a great dodgeball tournament, even better than last years, after having a great powder puff earlier in the year as well. This is the biggest time of frustration that I have had all year, but in the end the goal is to find a silver lining and somehow grow from this. This year I have matured into a young adult and I feel ready to move on to my next phase of life, college. During these frustrating times, my family and I are doing a lot of things around the house and stuff we have been waiting to get to. My mom keeps calling it a great "teaching time" as she says she is teaching me how to maintain my own house once I get older. I guess that is a positive to come out of all of this, but I would really rather just be at school with my friends, spending our last couple months of senior year together. A change that I would like to see for next years class is less forced pairings or seating. Jobs get done better and kids will have more incentive to do them if they are with people they enjoy being around and spending time with. I understand that leadership is a family, but in your real family there are members that you simply don't click with or don't want to be around. I still think bonding activities should occur to get the whole class together, but something such as the tri tip ticket sales would be executed better if students could be in groups with those they are closest to. I know I am more likely to go out and do something with someone I known versus someone I don't. I understand that we are all supposed to be super tight knit and get along great, but this is just a thought.
The Ideal Leader
There are many things that a student should do in this class in order to be considered an ideal leader. First, do what you are told. I know that this sounds cliche and like a “no duh” thing, but it something that is often overlooked. Following directions is a lost skill nowadays. Kids will forget or just simply not do something they are told to do, and while it seems minor, it’s noticed by more people than you think. Second, deadlines, deadlines, DEADLINES. Whether that’s planning events, turning in homework, or selling fundraiser tickets, finish it before the deadline. There are a lot of deadlines set in this class on a daily basis, and as an ideal leader you are expected to meet them all. It is less stressful when you complete things ahead of time, that way you don’t have to do things last minute. If I complete things before the deadline there is a weight lifted off of my shoulders, because I don’t have to worry about it anymore. I don’t do that often enough although, and I usually find myself procrastinating. If you think you’re ready for something, think WWMD (what would Morty do) and re-evaluate if you are actually ready. Thirdly, full effort is expected. You are not able to half-ass your way through leadership and expect to be an ideal leader. An ideal leader puts full effort into every event, no matter how big or how small it is. Full effort is expected from all students in the class, but it is not the norm. I don’t think anyone could say they put full effort into the class at all times. What is not acceptable although, is no effort at all. If you are going to sit around and do nothing all class, you will find yourself out of the class. There is no time for laziness because no one wants to carry the slackers behind. Most importantly, have fun. If you aren’t having fun, what is the point of doing leadership? Even though it can be stressful at times, it is supposed to be fun and is supposed to bring us all together as a family. An ideal leader has fun with their work because they enjoy what they are doing.
You
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