Whether listed on resumés or college applications, leadership positions are notorious for helping an individual stand out in a field of applicants.

Leadership positions aid in showcasing one’s integrity, charisma and ability to empower, according to Forbes, and those qualities are highly desirable among both employers and admissions counselors.

Emmi Harward, Executive Director of the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools, has spent over two decades in the college admissions and counseling profession.

“Not only does leadership distinguish a student in a competitive applicant pool from other students, but it also serves to foreshadow the impact a student could make on a university campus and the potential impact they could make once they graduate,” stated Harward in an interview with The Atlantic.

In high school, the positions are most commonly acquired once a student reaches upperclassmen status as a junior or senior and exhibits leader-like qualities in an extracurricular.

Oklahoma Baptist University freshman and MHS 2021 graduate Grace Banks previously held the positions of Student Council (StuCo) Secretary and Bootlegger Squad Leader.

Banks is also currently running for a spot as a class senator for OBU’s Student Government Association, the university’s self-proclaimed voice for the student body.

“I have learned that in a leadership position, it’s not about yourself,” explained Banks. “It’s about the people and purpose that you are serving. It’s important to listen to those around you, to not do it all by yourself and to be flexible.”

Having previously looked up to Banks in their shared extracurricular, junior Katie Ellsworth currently holds the titles of StuCo Media Coordinator and Yearbook Co-Editor.

Stating that she has become more confident since arriving on the MHS campus, Ellsworth has also expanded her list of responsibilities and has grown in character.

“The leadership roles I currently hold at MHS will continue to help me gain even more confidence in myself and my leadership abilities,” Ellsworth reflected.

As the 2021-22 school year continues, Marlow High School will continue to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and be a leader in each of their endeavors.