Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
By Stacey A. Shannon—
MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Central High School senior Jamar Clark meets himself coming and going as he juggles activities in school, outside of school and a part-time job. But Clark wouldn’t have it any other way.
His involvement at school runs the gamut from sports to leadership and more. Clark has spent four years running varsity track, two years playing varsity football and two years playing varsity tennis.
Off the field, Clark has also been a member of student government throughout his time in high school. He was sophomore class president and served as student council president as a junior and again now as a senior.
The list continues on and includes him being crowned homecoming king this year. Clark also has participated in the recycling club, an early college program where he’s a mentor, Upward Bound college prep, Key Club, Best Buddies, Diverse Cats and HBCU scholars, which spreads awareness about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
As a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at his school as well, Clark helped organized an event last December to raise money and awareness for human trafficking. He also planned a 5K to raise money for Riley Children’s Hospital.
“It’s easier to be involved in stuff and make change [rather] than sitting around doing nothing,” Clark said. “I feel like that’s more important for me personally, because change is the key for success.”
As a senior, Clark was also named student section leader and attends the school’s various sporting events to get the crowd excited and cheering.
Outside of school, he’s participated in Muncie Youth Empowerment, Concrete Rose, Shafer Leadership Academy, workforce development and a youth community health worker program. Clark is also a member of the NAACP Youth Council where he has served as president and environmental chair. Recently, he was appointed to the state executive committee for NAACP.
“I want to be a well-rounded person,” he said, “for me and for others around me.”
Others around him include youth throughout the county since Clark is also a member of the Delaware County Prevention Council PRIDE team, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle for students of all ages. He is proud to be a drug-free role model for younger students.
To stay on top of all he has going on, Clark has learned the importance of time management and prioritizing his tasks. He is passionate about what he does, involving other students in activities and encouraging diversity throughout it all.
As the school year winds down, Clark is looking to the next chapter of his life. He will attend Indiana University to major in political science. After that, he plans to attend law school and become an attorney or judge then go into politics.
Clark also thinks about the legacy he’s leaving behind him at Muncie Central and had words of wisdom to share with younger students: “If you have your mind set on one goal, you can achieve that goal. And don’t let one setback set you all the way back. Take that one step back and go with it and try your best to do better next time.”
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