Robert L. Baker
2000 Grand Prize Winner, Scottish Rite Paul R. Kach
DeMolay Essay Contest, 10th Grade and Below Category
Grants Pass Chapter Order of DeMolay
PO Box 1947, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523

In responding to the question "Is the modern education system preparing today's youth to be the leaders of the next generation?" I must begin by saying that, since I am in the eighth grade, I have not yet experienced the full spectrum of the educational system. Nevertheless, it seems clear our modern educational system, with all its strengths and weaknesses, is doing an adequate job of training and educating this generation to become future leaders.

For example, I feel learning the history of our world and nation will help to develop a better leader for the next generation. Without learning about our country's beginning and about the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, we cannot maintain and protect our basic rights and responsibilities as Americans. By learning about historical figures and understanding events in time, we hopefully won't repeat some of the awful things that have happened in history. Knowing, growing, learning, and understanding will help to develop more mature and responsible leaders.

The curriculum taught in English and Language Arts is very important. A leader needs to have good writing skills in order to succeed in life both personally and professionally in the 21st Century. Similarly, public speaking is a key element of success. An individual must be verbally articulate in relaying his ideas and beliefs to others in order to gain their respect and trust. In this area, electives and extra-curricular activities help students as much or more than regular classes and course work.

Also, we must realize that many students will not attend college straight out of high school. They will need vocational training, and computer literacy and a knowledge of basic technology are important skills for the next generation. Thus, occupational classes are a necessity, perhaps in areas like carpentry, machinery, plumbing, and electrical or mechanical repair. Even if you graduate from college, wouldn't it be nice to be make minor repairs around the house rather than hire somebody to do them for you? All of these skills help to develop a leader.

Parent involvement is also a crucial factor as to whether today's youth will succeed as leaders of the next generation. How can a youth of today succeed in becoming a leader if there is no parental involvement and/or support? Parents are their children's first teachers and should always work with their school and its staff as a team. All of these variables combined may determine the success level of potential leaders.

In conclusion, I feel through my own experience that when parents and schools work together to support each other and the students, the modern educational system does an adequate job of training this generation be become future leaders. At the same time, there is room for growth in many school environments on the part of the teachers, students, and the level of parental involvement.