Middle Schooler to Receive Leadership Award
 Savannah Marion is only 12, but she's already making a positive impact on her community. |
Even within our own community, women leaders often have many irons in the fire, whether it is protecting the heritage of our African-American forefathers (and -mothers) or teaching young girls to take pride in themselves despite adversity.
So, when Savannah Marion, an eighth-grader at Herberg Middle School, was selected to receive a Ripple Effect Award from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, you can imagine her surprise.
"They told me it was for doing good things and making a difference," the 12-year-old said in a phone interview. "I just do what I do every day. No one thinks they're going to win an award."
Marlena Lewis, outreach program director at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center (home to Girls Inc. of the Berkshires), said there was no question in her mind when it came to nominating Marion for the award.
"Every year we try to make an effort to nominate one of our girls," she said. "Savannah was the first name that came up. She is always volunteering, especially with the little ones in the program. Actually, she will volunteer for just about anything. She's friendly and compassionate. Last year, when she was in seventh grade she got our Girl of the Year Award. She's really making her mark in this community."
In addition to being an active participant in the Girls Inc. after-school teen programs, Marion is also testing the waters (literally) in her adventurous, athletic life. She is a cheerleader, a member of the swim team, and most recently took up speed skating, just "to try it out." Yet, according to her mother, Jill Barrett, Marion is convinced that she is an average 12-year-old.
"When we got the notice about the award, she was surprised," Barrett said. "I told her that 'obviously they like you.' Part of it is that she really does well working with young kids, and she helps just about anybody. I think once in awhile she has a problem being teased by her peers because she is so helpful. I just tell her that she is much better off being the helper and having the kind of reputation as a person people can turn to. There are so many possibilities for her. She's only 12, if she keeps it up she can win scholarships and have so many opportunities."
It seems that Marion is heeding her mother's sound advice, whether she will admit to it or not. She is a familiar name on the school's honor role and continues to be a mentor to younger children.
"I like being a role model for the little kids," she said. "My mom and my older sister and my aunt Karly are all role models for me. My mom's a single parent and she's a really hard worker and my big sister, well everybody looks up to their big sister. My aunt Karly is really nice and when I was little she used to do a lot of baking with me. I think because of that I want to be a baker and go to culinary school. I like to cook and eat. Or a firefighter. Maybe a firefighter."
Marion has plenty of time to pick and choose her future. For now, she said, she just wants to continue to be a role model and, of course, have some fun. As for her peers, Marion has some simple advice.
"Try to do the right thing all the time," she said. "It will make a difference somehow."
Marion will be presented with the Ripple Effect Award at the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts' biannual conference being held on March 8 at the Springfield Sheraton.
