Amanda Ealla
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2005 Scholarship Winner
Richmond Hill High School
York College
"Amanda enhances everything she does with a mature personality and a high degree of competence. In addition, she possesses a nobility of spirit and tremendous personal integrity. Amanda will not succumb to peer pressure and go with the flow; she will do what she knows to be right. I have inadvertently witnessed this on more than one occasion and it has left an indelible impression of her goodness on me. As the secretary for the Student Association and a member of the Leadership Class, Amanda has enormous responsibilities, which she balances with great aplomb."
—Eileen Hudon, Coordinator of Student Affairs
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Secretary, Student Government
- Member, Emerging Leaders
- Member, Yearbook Committee
Excerpts from Amanda's Essay
Thousands of innocent lives have been shattered and destroyed due to ignorance, prejudice and hate, which is why I am a member of an organization called Emerging Leaders. Emerging Leaders consists of high school students who work collectively to educate others about all types of discrimination, whether it be gender, race, etc. The class is composed of many different people, but in a sense we are all alike and are all here for the same purpose.
Our purpose is to help eliminate racism and different types of discrimination. We set realistic goals. We know that we cannot completely eliminate racism from the world; that is an impossible task. However, we have the ability to help influence those around us and as leaders it is our duty to educate and illuminate the lives of others.
After 9/11 it is evident that racism and hate for others can escalate into treacherous things. Lives can never be brought back. I feel that my participation in this organization has helped me to grow as an individual. It has changed my perspective in life and has made me become a positive person who is willing to sacrifice myself for others and put myself third.
