THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 26, 1995 TAG: 9505240175
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
``We have to be dedicated, build unity and accept responsibility,'' said Bahari Harris, 16. ``It's important to be a strong individual, not a caboose and not a member of a clique with unwritten rules.''
Harris, a sophomore at Indian River High School, is soft-spoken until he's questioned about leadership, responsibility and the future. Then he becomes strongly outspoken.
He so impressed the interviewers and judges at a recent student conference at Old Dominion University that he was chosen from among 280 students by the Hugh O'Brien Foundation to represent Virginia at a World Student Leadership Conference in Boston in July.
The foundation was started 54 years ago by actor Hugh O'Brien to encourage young people to become involved in world issues and concerns and to teach leadership roles. This year, two teen ambassadors from every state and students from 33 foreign countries will meet in Boston for eight days to share their ideas, attend seminars and discuss plans for a better world.
``Sensitivity or concern for others and participation to make changes are important,'' said Harris, ``and also organization.''
``I like the challenge of math and enjoy Spanish,'' said Harris. ``Dan Mulligan, my geometry teacher, encouraged, motivated and inspired me in the discipline and competition of math.''
Harris is the sophomore class president, plays the viola in the school orchestra and the Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra of Virginia, participates in the youth group at Calvary Revival Church and helps with his sisters, Nailah, 6, and Saidah, 4.
Last year, he had a summer job, but this year he has other plans. In June Harris will attend the Governor's School to study applied math and computer science under a mentor program with the College of William and Mary.
Harris' long-term plans include earning a doctoral degree in math or engineering.
``The problem with many teens is that they just don't care,'' said Harris. ``They don't care about homework, projects or grades and, unfortunately, they're setting a pattern for their future.
``My mom taught me independence, keeps me stable and is a source of inspiration,'' Harris said about his mother, Deborah Harris. ``She was a single parent with small children when she went back to college. I learned from her even if you have troubles or obstacles, you keep moving to make things better.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
Bahari Harris was chosen by the Hugh O'Brien Foundation to represent
Virginia at a World Student Leadership Conference.
by CNB