Leaders come in many shapes and sizes

Even small communities, such as San Benito County, have a number of leaders in its midst – from elected officials to charity do-gooders, parents and teachers … the list is seemingly endless.
Students can be leaders as well. Recently, a local San Andreas High School student proved he not only knows what a leader is, but also, how to be one.
Juan Reyes, 18, is a double Rotary Club speech contest winner – Reyes took first place in the Hollister contest and second in the regional contest, held last month in Morgan Hill.
Reyes’ speech, which was centered on this year’s theme, “Leading the Way,” focused on local leadership, looking not only at leaders in history but who is leading the way right now. One of those leaders is Reyes himself, who chose to enter so that San Andreas would be represented in the contest.
“I am very proud of him,” Principal Mike Sanchez said. “He said he stepped up for our school to have representation, and he wanted to be that representative.”
Each contestant needed to include the basic Rotary philosophy, which includes four principles: 1) Is it the truth? 2) Is it fair? 3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4) Will it be beneficial to all concerened? Reyes’ speech touched on those principles while focusing on local leaders and what is happening in San Benito County today.

ROTARY FOUR WAY TEST
1) Is it the truth?
2) Is it fair?
3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“Juan mentioned several people, but first were parents, parents who are willing to stand up and tell their kids that they can’t do certain things, and look out for them,” Sanchez said. “He also mentioned people who are tackling gang issues here locally.”
Sanchez said Reyes’ speech was very well received, both locally and regionally.“I couldn’t believe how many people came to our table afterwards to meet Juan and thank him for the words that he spoke,” he said. “It was quite moving to see the number of people who appreciated such a focused young man, who really understood what leadership means to our community.”
Reyes is showing his understanding of leadership in another way as well, Sanchez said. Reyes, who had enlisted in a delayed entry program with the U.S. Army, has left San Andreas and is currently undergoing basic training at Ft. Benning in Georgia.
“He left right after the contest,” Sanchez said. “He has a vision, and is following that. His goal is to become an Army Ranger.” Sanchez said he is proud of Reyes, and the decisions he has made since coming to San Andreas.
“I had the pleasure of transporting Juan to both contests, and got to know him pretty well,” he said. “I am so pleased that he chose to stand up and speak before a crowd. Students often have a tough time doing that. Juan represented the school, the community, and of course, his family, very, very well.”

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