Meet Clarke’s Future Leaders

Staff
03/22/2006

What an inspiration.

For the third year in a row, the Clarke Times-Courier is recognizing young leaders in our community and awarding one of them the annual Times-Courier scholarship.

When you read about these six students – who are just a few of the talented, dedicated, caring youth in Clarke – you cannot help but feel good about the up-and-coming generation. The students – all seniors at Clarke County High School -- hold down jobs, in some cases working 30 hours a week to contribute to their families or to help with college expenses. They do community service, often mentoring younger children or serving on advisory boards with their adult counterparts. They aim high for the International Baccalaureate diploma. For fun, they sing, join 4-H or hang out with friends.

You can read more about the students and their accomplishments.

Each year, one of the six receives a scholarship to help with future educational expenses. This year’s scholarship winner is Nicholas Banks in recognition of the positive contribution he makes to his school and to the community. Congratulations, Nick.

The Times-Courier started the Future Leaders program four years ago to recognize outstanding youth in the county. Each fall, the Times-Courier takes nominations from the community for the program. Anyone can nominate a student – a parent, teacher, counselor, friend.

Then, a group comprised of community member Teri Gordon; James Ross, dean of students at Johnson-Williams Middle School; Supervisor Barbara Byrd; Donna Dugas, Times-Courier advertising consultant; and Pam Lettie, editor of the Times-Courier make the Future Leader selections. A month or so after that, the team interviews each student to select the Times-Courier scholarship winner.

Nicholas J. Banks

• Parent: Natalie Banks, mom

• Grade: 12^th

• Future Plans: Elementary school teacher

• Activities: CLEAN Inc., T.O.P.'S., basketball, track, tennis, concert choir, mentorship, senior class treasurer.

• Who's your hero and why? My mother is my hero because she has taught me so much. My mother has been there when no one else was. She has always kept a positive mind about everything that I do. I envy my mom because she's such a strong person. I hope to be like my mom someday.

• What do you like about Clarke County? I like the homey feeling of Clarke County. It's like everyone is family. I like living in a place where people know your name.

• Advice for incoming ninth graders: To keep a positive mind.

• Favorite technology: Cell phone.

• Favorite movie: “Men of Honor”

Kelsey Parrish

Parents: Gary and Sharon Parrish

Grade: 12

Future plans: To attend the College of William and Mary and study English (and/or French or music); to become a published writer and accomplished musician

Activities: CCHS marching band and indoor drumline; National Honor Society; Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board; Relay for Life team co-captain; CLEAN [Community and Law Enforcement Against Narcotics], Inc. Youth Advisory Council; Grace Episcopal Church youth group; playing guitar and singing locally

Who’s your hero and why? One of the most influential people in my life has been my maternal grandmother, Stella Mason, for her strength, patience, and unwavering kindness. After the death of my grandfather, she worked several exhausting jobs to become a nurse to support herself and her six children. She is a genuinely caring person; anyone that knows her would say the same. I admire my grandmother’s sacrifices, her steadfast faith, and her generosity, and hope that one day I too will be able to "find a surprise in every day" and enjoy life with the same enthusiasm and cheerfulness.

What do you like about Clarke County? I love that Clarke is a small county, so it’s quaint (e.g. small cute Main Street shops, and traditions like decorating parking meters) and the people are friendly. Everyone knows your name, and if you leave you can always come back and pick up where you left off, like an extended family.

What advice do you have to offer incoming ninth graders? The last four years are over before you know they’ve started; don’t waste them stressing over assignments or self-image or the opposite sex. Learn to manage your time wisely, go with the flow, and don’t care what others think. Remember that even if you don’t "find yourself" before graduation, the rest of your life is still ahead. Enjoy yourself, make friends who love you, and stay positive.

What’s your favorite technology? electric guitars (and basses)

What’s your favorite movie? "Life Is Beautiful"