Vashon Hill: Community Leader
He has shared the screen with Academy nominees Laura Linney and Gabourey Sidibe in “The Big C”, taught kindergarten, and calls Tyler Perry and Anderson Cooper some of his heroes. His name is Vashon Hill, a young community leader and a Union Catholic Regional High School student with proven leadership abilities.
Vashon authors a blog called “Plainfield: A Student’s Perspective” (pstudentsperspective.blogspot.com). As a Leadership Somerset participant developing my own leadership ability, I became curious about Vashon after noticing the John Quincy Adams quote on his blog. The quote reads, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” In addition to this quote, Vashon’s blog offers his perspective on everything from the recent rash of Plainfield shootings to Plainfield Board of Education issues. His blog reflects his maturity and commitment to community involvement. At a time when most teenagers are struggling with identity issues and peer pressure, Vashon stands out as a confident role model and leader.
Since 2008, Vashon has clocked 300 service hours doing everything from student teaching to running the Jefferson School Leadership Project. As President of the Project, he and his board plan events, fundraisers, workshops, and offer support to the school’s teachers and administrators. Jefferson School Principal, Scott Burkholder, praised Vashon for the important role he plays and pointed out that because of his age, he can be a more effective role model than teachers. Burkholder also credits Vashon with helping to pioneer the upcoming Multicultural Diversity program, an event that aims to bring the diverse Plainfield community groups together. This program is just one of the many ways Vashon and the Project are reaching out to the community and collaborating with other agencies like the Plainfield Board of Education.
Vashon credits his mom, former Jefferson teachers, and Project directors, Shawn Colletta and James Malkmus, with encouraging his leadership abilities. According to Vashon, a leader needs to be positive trustworthy, effective, and have experience. He considers himself a good leader but admits that he can learn to be more patient. He points to a couple incidents where he had to deal with an unruly student and a demanding parent and learned that patience is especially important in such situations.
Whether he becomes the next famous actor, teacher, journalist, or President of the United States of America, Vashon Hill will no doubt be out in front leading and making things happen. With the growing Plainfield shootings, more focus on positive young role models like Vashon is critically needed. While his story may not make front page news, more people need to know about this inspiring young community leader.
MY PERSPECTIVE: I like what was written. Please tell me what you think.
With You For Leadership,
Vashon Hill
PRESIDENT
The Leadership Project
"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"
VLHill/TLPP
In Assoc. with TLP Publications
