Canterbury's Simone Leeper Strives to Be 'the Best Role Model Possible'

ST. PETERSBURG - Whether she's welcoming new parents at an open house or mentoring younger students, Canterbury School junior Simone Leeper has a zest and enthusiasm for school academics and activities that is enviable.

It's no surprise to her classmates and teachers, that Simone is both Model United Nations team president and captain of the cheerleading sqaud. An outgoing achiever, Simone applies her can-do attitude to school work, campus life and community activities.

Simone just "brought home the gavel" from a Model UN conference in Gainesville. The prestigious award is the equivalent of first place for her committee. A self-described "Harry Potter nerd," Simone's position as French Minister of Magic Pierre Roussou was nearly flawless.

"Her gavel award indicates that she carried out her role to the nth degree, never coming out of character, and making decisions and choices... based on what Rousseau would do, " said Jill Hill, Canterbury Social Science department chair.

It's not unusual for Simone to pause from her after-school volunteer work tutoring a younger student in U.S. History to show a fellow cheerleader a tricky routine. So what if a few heads turn as Simone leaps out of her seat for a quick cheer before returning to the more serious matter of explaining the U.S. Constitution?

Says Simone: "I am inspired by the idea that some younger person may be watching me, and I owe it to him or her to be the best role model possible."

Now can someone figure out how to bottle and share that teenage wisdom?

School activities:  Model United Nations, team president (10,11); cheerleading, captain (9,10,11); junior class fundraising chair (11); student council representative (11); Mu Alpha Theta (9, 10, 11); International Thespian Society (9, 10, 11); National Junior Honor Society (9, 10, 11); Envirothon (10, 11); National Latin Honor Society (9, 10, 11)

Community activities: National Junior Honor Society tutor (10, 11); volunteer at church Vacation Bible School (9, 10, 11); Relay for Life team member (10).

The secret to your success?: "There is no one secret. Just a lot of hard work and many late nights.''

Your role model: "My cheerleading coach, Vonda Wynn, because she is such a strong and independant woman, and I hope to grow up and be like her."

College or career goals: "I want to discover something I have a passion for and follow wherever that leads me, as long as the first leg of the journey is college through a graduate program."

Favorite quote: "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -- J.K. Rowling.