Summer of Leadership Begins School Year Right

Stacia Burke, a rising senior at , is much more than her 4.0 GPA reflects. She is t and founder/teacher of Step-by-Step Piano.

With more than 200 hours of service in the community, appointments to local and state student advisory boards and recognition as one of Georgia’s “20 Under 20,” she was chosen as one of five student leaders in the metro Atlanta area recognized by Bank of America’s Student Leader Program for 2011.

“Bank of America created this program based on the belief that leadership and service are critical elements helping to propel the nation and our world forward,” said Geri Thomas, Bank of America state president and Atlanta market president - chief diversity and inclusion executive. 

The initiative is focused on equipping young people with experiences in the professional development “while helping to create a culture of service in our own backyard.”

They recognized 230 students nationally with this program, which included a paid, eight-week summer internship at nonprofits and the opportunity to attend a Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Burke took part in the leadership training provided by the program, which also included participation in an Operation Homefront project creating care packages for military families.

At age 14, Judith Hall, an AP World History teacher at South Gwinnett, suggested Burke participate in the some of the clubs offered by the school focused on leadership and academics. Burke joined in with an enthusiasm that was recognized by school and community leaders. The program director from 21^st Century Leadership Program and Leadership Unplugged sent Burke’s information to Bank of America for the internship program.

Burke said she found the leadership conference inspiring.

“Our generation is distracted by social media and the Internet - we need to learn how to use technology to our advantage,” she said, referring to herself and her peers as the next 'Lost Generation.' “The program helped us to see how this generation does have promise and it is positive. They didn’t baby us. We learned real work experience and how to network to be a positive influence.”

Burke said it's a lot of work, but it is important work.

“One person can make a difference. It’s not just all about leading, it’s about helping others achieve," she said, adding, "I want others to succeed.”

Burke’s goals for this year are maintaining her 4.0 GPA and an opportunity to serve on the Georgia Superintendents Student Advisory Council, perhaps the U.S. Youth Senate Council and acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania where she will double major in Economics and Marketing. She will then pursue a masters in Business Administration at the Wharton School of Business.

This summer, she also begins organization of her very first charity event - a walkathon to raise money for a clean water project in Africa. Look for updates from your Loganville/Grayson Patch on how you can help when those details become available.