During the 2017-18 school year, Kai Skerratt was in his second year of the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District Wheelhouse program, where developing leadership skills is one of the program’s core components. Kai feels that being a part of The Wheelhouse has helped his leadership develop in many ways. The program provides many opportunities for students to help out in the community and learn about their passions. “I was challenged to do things outside of my comfort zone,” he describes, “and it was safe to make mistakes.”
The students and staff at Alouette are very grateful for Kai Skerratt, as he devotes a significant amount of time and energy into making a positive impact on the school community. He is a peer counselor, a school representative on the Student Voice team, and participates in nearly every fundraising, and leadership activity that is offered. What do staff members at the school say about Kai? The most common sentiments are, “Oh, I love that boy!” and “What an amazing kid!”
Outside of school, he is very passionate about mountain biking, reading, and spending time with his family. He is active in his church youth group, including past participation leading younger children in the church. Kai and his family make time to participate in various local fundraising events, and he also enjoys spreading kindness around his community whenever possible.
Kai believes there are several reasons that young people should be active in their community. He thinks that, “It is important to give back to the community, to make it a better place.” He also feels that it is imperative for today’s youth to speak up and speak out so that adults can hear the collective voice of our youth. He hopes that increasing the voice of today’s youth will empower youth with more ability to make change in the world.
However, Kai does not hog the spotlight or show an interest for glory or fame as a leader. Instead, he prefers to gently create a positive impact to the people and environment that surround him. Kai stands out as a leader through the impact and influence of his actions. You can’t always catch him in action, but you can certainly see evidence of his presence.
If you ask Kai about the people who have influenced him, his dad is at the top of the list. Kai looks up to his dad for inspiration and guidance, and his dad provides that and more. Kai says that his dad is an “outside the box thinker” and that his dad can always find a solution to problems. As for his dad’s leadership style? “My dad leads by doing. He is humble and always quietly helping others.”
Looking to the future, Kai would like to be the type of person who, “Makes things happen and inspires others to do the same.” He hopes to continue his participation with the Student Voice leadership team. He would also like to join a community youth group with a focus on social justice. Kai still believes in a world where everyone can feel accepted and cherished, and he works toward achieving this goal in every way that he can.
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 2017/18 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 2018 Leaders of Tomorrow.
