Marion County High School senior Will Knight has been named the MCPS Student Ambassador of the Week by ambassador advisors Laurie Followell and Jason Simpson.
This is Knight’s third year as a student ambassador.
“Will has evolved into a true leader of our ambassador group,” Followell said. “He can speak eloquently regarding just about any subject or occasion. Will recently assisted in a tour of the Area Tech Center by Leadership Lebanon. He was more than adequately prepared for the tour, as he is extremely knowledgeable about programs at the tech center. He has the type of leadership skills that make any group feel at ease.”
Added Simpson:
“Will really represents much of what we hope to see in our student ambassadors – he’s dedicated, mature, and also very involved in the culture of the school district,” Simpson said. “We’re very lucky to have him as a member.”
Knight noted that his experience as a student ambassador has given him ample opportunities to develop his interpersonal skills.
“My time as an ambassador has allowed me to meet a lot of people, and allowed me to practice my etiquette skills,” he said. “And those skills have helped me in many, many situations.”
While Knight acknowledged the responsibilities associated with being an MCPS Student Ambassador, he also noted the friendly atmosphere within the group.
“Although it’s a very serious program, it’s a very laid-back environment where everyone is friends and everyone communicates. You can really relax.”
Also involved in several other groups and extracurriculars, Knight said that his wide range of high school activities is an important part of his ambassador experience.
“I’m an ambassador because I do all of these things,” he said. “Because I’m so involved in the school I can bring that back to the ambassadors and represent my school through all these different things.
Among the events Knight said he was looking forward to this year is the annual Young Leaders Conference, which the ambassadors organize, and the annual MCPS Reading Celebration – both of which he has worked as an ambassador in the past.
He also had high praise for Followell, with whom he has collaborated several times.
“Mrs. Followell has helped me a lot through all my years of high school whether it be scholarships or GSP or ambassadors,” Knight said. “I really want to thank her for everything she’s given me. I just can’t thank her enough.”
Now in its eighth year, the MCPS Student Ambassador organization provides leadership and public speaking opportunities to its members as they represent the school district at community and school events.