Growing up is a process that everyone goes through: it cannot be rushed or slowed down. While it will be sad watching Wakefield High School’s seniors leave, it is what needs to be done for the next generation to rise and become leaders. Whether it be in our sports teams or clubs, with the class of 2024 graduating, it is time for new captains and presidents to take control and help manage these groups that make up the school.
“It’s bittersweet but I’m ready to move on to a new chapter of my life,” Cassidy Lair, Wakefield’s dance team captain said. “I can’t wait to see how they keep the club moving forward and progressing.”
The biggest piece of advice I could give to a new leader is to take a deep breath and trust your team.
— Cazin
With many students making their transition from middle school to high school, future freshmen will need examples set to help ensure a fun and safe environment for a monumental start to their high school career. There are many remarkable people at Wakefield to help with that goal. Black Student Union president Kendal Goins attests to this fact.
“It’s going to be great,” Goins said. “There’s going to be a lot of great candidates for president next year and I think they will grow as a club and continue to do amazing things.”
There are many components to being a leader and it takes a lot to be the best person for the job. It may take some sacrifices because leadership isn’t defined by brains, brawn or control. Leadership is the skill of empowering and guiding others toward shared goals through vision, communication, and integrity. While it may get hard at times, as long as there is determination, respect and a strong work ethic to get things done, students can achieve this goal. Emily Dudash, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Wakefield’s newspaper, The Howler, has proven this in her two-year role.
“As a leader, you’re inevitably going to have interactions with people who you may not like or even agree with. Part of being a leader means adapting to those situations and learning to be the bigger person,” Dudash said. “The only way you’re ever going to find success as a leader is by learning to make compromises.”
Leaders must realize the importance of staying connected to their high school endeavors. Past leaders like Goins promise to keep in touch with their community
“If anybody needs help, I will come back and help in some of the events,” Goins said.
During the battle of high school, there will be friends and the legacy of others to help build members. Help will be there when needed from the leader’s words of advice and encouragement Nic Cazin, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Howler, shares their advice for the future changemakers.
“The biggest piece of advice I could give to a new leader is to take a deep breath and trust your team,” Cazin said. “It’s very easy to become overwhelmed and stressed at the moment, and you will overlook so many potential memories. Everything will work out how it’s supposed to.”
