by Jarissa Ortiz-Acosta
The Leadership Academy of Ellison High School has existed for the past twenty-one years and was founded by Mr. Donald Williams, a great teacher who has changed the lives of many students. Mr. Williams was, and still is, one of the unsung heroes of Ellison. By helping create the Leadership Academy, he was able to influence the lives of many who have accomplished superb things in life. After twenty-one years of service to our great academy, he retired on December 21st, leaving the academy in the very capable hands of Mr. Field, another academy instructor.
Unfortunately, Mr. Wiliams was unable to make a statement about his retirement and the Academy; however, many students of his reached out in order to tell us about his greatness.
“He always made sure to step out in the hall and greet us as we came in, which was really nice considering that other teachers don’t do that as often.” said Lara, a member of Ellison High School’s Leadership Academy. This was something he often did in order to establish a professional working relationship with the academy members; thus, preparing them for the world of careers and opening doors that are not opened for others.
Many field trips, from touring college campuses to team building retreats, were made specifically to allow members to discover abundant opportunities that would help them succeed in life. His work has allowed many to progress; and prominently, his teachings of how to grow one’s ability to be a leader helped push many to grow into wonderful adults. The academy went beyond just teaching students how to be a leader, it also taught students how to strengthen their relationship with one another; thus, resulting to unity among the members.
The tremendous contributions of Mr. Williams made a difference in the lives of many. “He changed the way I looked at the world, he showed me that we must look towards the future in order to secure it.” said James Pflanz, an Academy member. This was the case for many of his previous students, each being able to reminisce upon the times Mr. Williams helped them.
In addition to the learning experience members of the Leadership Academy gain, the academy also provides scholarships for seniors who are intending to pursue higher education in order to help the transition to the school of their choice be a bit easier.
Leah Mincy, an Academy member, reminisces, “Mr. Williams was truly one of my favorite teachers, he always came into the class with a smile on his face. He never let his background define who we were. He was always simply there trying to allow us to be the best we could be.” This statement seemed to be one that rang true to many and truly show who Mr. Williams was.
“His ways and habits allowed students to feel like they belonged in the Academy. Mr. Williams always said we must be a follower before a leader, and that helped me to realize that I can’t just expect to always be in charge, I have to learn to be able to listen before I can lead.” said Vanessa Gonzales, an Academy member.
We thank Mr. Williams for everything that he has done for Ellison High School and Leadership Academy. Without him, many of the great things that he brought may have been on different paths from where they are now. Not only does the academy live on, but the legacy he has planted is already taking root and becoming a beautiful garden.