L-E-O
Leadership Experience Opportunity
I was privileged to receive the ‘Leo of the Year’ award for district 202E last week. I did not expect this at all. When I received the phone call, I was very surprised and of course honoured!
Leos is a youth service organisation, connected to Lions Club International. It was created for young people aged between 12 - 30, with the aim of giving back to the community and helping young people develop leadership skills.
I joined the Rangiora High School Leos when I was a Year 9, in 2017. My older sister was already a part of the club, and during one wet lunchtime, little Year 9 Holly thought it would be a brilliant plan to crash their meeting which was indoors. I became hooked with the club’s ideology and the welcoming vibe of all the members. I signed up to be a RHS Leo straight away! In 2019 I was lucky enough to be appointed as Vice President and the following year President.
Over the years I have participated in many activities as RHS Leo. One of my favourite activities was our annual Quiz Night. I was in the original team that came up with this idea and each year since we have created an exciting and fun evening, raising money for our chosen local charities, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury and Satisfy Food Rescue. The evening is always a great time. During our first Quiz Night I remember a group of us trying to answer the questions, and let me tell you, they were really hard!
During the last couple of years, the club has had a large focus on the environment and frequently take part in tree plantings, and in 2021 we were given a grant and organised our own planting at Pegasus Beach.
In 2020 I was asked if I could speak at the 202E Lions Convention. This was well out of my comfort zone, but I decided to take the opportunity. I spoke about Social Media, how RHS Leos uses it to promote and organise activities. I spoke about how Lions are using it and if not, how they could incorporate it into their club. This opportunity really boosted my confidence, showing me that even if speaking in front of 100’s of people is scary, it is still achievable.
I have great respect for my first RHS Leo Advisor, Wayne Paulin. He took me under his wing as a Year 9, and has encouraged and supported me ever since. In 2021 Wayne asked me if I would like to be a part of a Leo Advisor Training Team. This was an incredible opportunity where myself and two women from Canterbury Omega Leos went to Havelock and ran a training course and interactive forum for Leo Advisors / Leos. During the training we were able to form awesome connections with Leos and Lions from the Marlborough area. I was also able to form a friendship with some lovely Omega Leos.
Many laughs have been shared. I will always remember my time as a RHS Leo and look forward to my journey with Leos/Lions in the future. I encourage every young person to take every opportunity they can. As a Leo I have been given so many, ones I never thought would ever be accessible to me. They have helped me grow from a shy Year 9, into an enthusiastic young woman. Being a Leo allows you to give back to the community that raised you, you are able to help out, or fundraise for causes that matter to you. L-E-O, Leadership Experience Opportunity.
Written by Holly Prickett
Student
