Amazing Kids: Justin
As a new student in Tennessee and an ambitious 11th grader, Justin immediately sought out school groups to join. DECA was his choice, and he selected the Community Giving Project competition to raise funds for a pressing global issue.
Learning about the competition immediately brought back memories from middle school and the volunteering and fundraising he participated in then. Justin gathered his new friends and DECA members Robert (Bobby) and Hamza to brainstorm global issues for their project. They settled on clean water.
Podcast with Principal Mr. Smith, Justin, Bobby, and Hamza
The first step of the project was research. The trio spent hours researching clean water organizations and emailed several of them. Upon finding WFSS’s website, it was clear the non-profit has a deep connection with other schools worldwide; this piqued their interest. Beyond the research, they knew they would need guidance from their non-profit of choice. WFSS was the only organization to reply to their emails.
It was time to kick off their project. They formed a committee of ten students to support marketing and fundraising. The high school principal agreed to participate in a podcast. The three made announcements via school T.V.s, loudspeakers, and posters, and they even created a model well. Hot chocolate sales were their biggest fundraiser. They also sold waffles and collected direct donations, raising more than $1,500.
“We learned a lot during the process. Getting approval from the administration and dealing with illnesses going through the school slowed the process. My best advice to people interested in fundraising is to get to the research and lay a foundation for where you’ll start. Make sure you find a genuine organization to support. And most importantly, find people to help you. We are still only teenagers and need help from adults,” Justin shared.
Beyond supporting an important cause, the experience gave Justin a sense of community, “Robert, Hamza, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. We didn’t reach our $15,000 goal, but it was an amazing experience. As a new student at the school, this project really helped me connect with new friends and feel like I was a part of the community.”
And their work isn’t done yet. The group is in the process of finishing a 20-page project paper to submit to the DECA state-level competition in hopes of reaching the international level.
Justin obviously keeps himself busy with academics and extracurricular activities. He’s moved around a lot in his life. NY, China, Canada, and Tennessee have been his homes. He even visited Juba, South Sudan and saw the struggles faced by people in the country. Though he was young, he was deeply impacted by the experience.
Playing piano, writing, and reading are his favorite downtime activities. His favorite part of school is hanging out with friends; they are a second family outside of home.
A business degree and plans for entrepreneurship are the routes Justin plans to take, but he will let his path unfold and see where it takes him. We know whatever Justin decides to do, he’ll be a success. WFSS is grateful to be a part of his path and can’t wait to see where his future takes him.
(From left to right) Bobby, Mr. Smith, Justin, and Hamsa during Podcast recording
Waffle fundraiser (Justin in salmon sweatshirt)
Bobby, Hamza, and Justin selling hot chocolate
