During the 2016-17 school year, Molly was a student at Kanaka Creek Elementary. Molly is an avid thinker and a doer. Recognized by her teachers as a natural leader, her thoughtfulness in classroom discussions and ability to work with others allows her the ability to have an impact on serious issues.
When classroom elections were being held, Molly’s party the “School Improvers” campaigned on the platform of improving the school environment through addressing the issue of garbage on the playground. Molly believed it was important to organize a campaign that “focused on a problem kids could actually solve.” In orchestrating the campaign, Molly encouraged others to be more mindful of the significance of recycling and that not all garbage is trash. She was voted by her classmates to be their class president.
Considered a diligent problem-solver and a critical thinker, Molly’s teacher, Ms. Murphy, described her as: “showing leadership in everything. Molly is inclusive and is good with all ages of children.” Her capacity to work well with others provides opportunities to take a leadership role in class and to assist with being a recess and lunch monitor in primary classes. In Molly’s words, “A leader should be able to share their ideas – no one wants someone who is mean and bossy. No one will listen. You need to know how to be considerate.”
Social issues are also very important to Molly. When given an opportunity to take on serious issues she doesn’t shy away. Rather, she brings critical issues to the forefront, such as her speech on “Residential Schools.” She believes there are “some things we don’t talk about enough. Everyone knows Canada is a great country – but do we all know we have made mistakes? We can only learn from them if we know what they are.” Whether speaking to her class, a school audience or at the District Speech Competition, Molly is eager to advocate for humanitarian issues. Her leadership abilities will prove to positively impact the world around her.
About Leaders of Tomorrow
The Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District (SD42) has teamed up with the Maple Ridge News to celebrate local students who are making a difference at school and in the community. Elementary and secondary students featured as Leaders of Tomorrow were picked by their principals for making positive achievements in academics, sports, arts and community involvement.
The list is just a sample of outstanding students in the school district selected by their school during the 2016/17 school year – there are many others who were equally deserving of recognition for their exemplary achievements both inside and outside the classroom.
Every Tuesday throughout the school year, SD42 will profile a student selected as one of the 2017 Leaders of Tomorrow. 