The Junior Achievement- 18 under Eighteen award is presented by EQT, an initiative that highlights the exceptional students ages 18 and under who are making a positive impact through their spirit, leadership, and service to their school and community. This award is sent out to schools all throughout western Pennsylvania for round one, and Hempfield Area High School was one of them. Our very own Spartan Mallory Bitar was nominated for this Junior achievement award by the teaching staff at Hempfield Area High School! She undoubtedly exhibits each and every one of the qualities listed above along with just having a kind and genuine heart. When I asked her how she felt about this nomination she humbly replied, “I feel very accomplished and am proud of myself.” Below is her submission reflection based on comments provided by a series of teachers:
Mallory is a reporter for our school newspaper the Royal, where she routinely chooses to write features about members of our school community, highlighting their skill sets and accomplishments. Not only is she a cheerleader on Friday nights, but she is a daily cheerleader for every student and staff member as she recognizes and applauds the accomplishments of others while humbly downplaying her own. Mallory also is a member of Hempfield Area Mini-THON where she works with members of her class to raise money for pediatric cancer research. She advocates for the children within our community and beyond who are fighting this disease and helps to raise awareness for individuals. Mallory acts as a voice for others who engage in this fight, and she motivates her classmates by her example. Mallory is a gifted writer and speaker. More so, she makes an impact on every person she meets everywhere she goes. It is no wonder that she has earned leadership titles such as captain and officer positions in organizations because she is a reliable individual on whom people can place their trust.
Mallory has an innate and uncompromising need to not meet but exceed any standard set for her. She joined both the sideline and competitive cheerleading squads; since that day, she has never stopped working. Her already esteemed abilities serve as evidence of the effort she puts into each feat and have contributed to her earning the title of captain of her team. She takes this position very seriously; she pushes her teammates towards success, working twice as hard to serve as a walking example. She delegates tasks well to others without making her peers feel inferior and accomplishes much. Mostly, she motivates others with her display of diligence. These quality traits showcased in her sport transfer into her daily life making Mallory a student and individual who we are proud to know.
Having a student like Mallory is a rarity. No matter the club, class, or activity, she is able to conform to her audience presenting her ideas, assigning responsibilities, or chatting with confidence and charm. Her vibrant personality matched with her natural talent and drive for success, make her unstoppable. She exceeds expectations and continues to perform admirably, which is invigorating to those around her. Even those in positions as high up as our superintendent feel secure in giving Mallory any duty to complete because she is a leader, an independent thinker, and a responsible individual who works to her best ability. Recently, our superintendent tasked Mallory with writing about our school’s new weapon detector system for the student body. Mallory, undaunted by this task, constructed the material in student friendly language with engaging hooks and astounding professionalism. She rises to occasions rather than floundering in self-doubt. This alone, but also accompanied by her many other extraordinary traits, make her a leader who others desire to follow.
Let us all cross our fingers and root for Mallory in hopes she will make it out of round two.
Go Mallory!
