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BCWB
Junior Board Member Highlight for Success
Frederick
Sophomore juggles grand ambitions
Photo
by Travis Pratt -
Originally published September 02, 2008 in
the Frederick News Post - By Stephanie
Mlot - News-Post Staff
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=79579
"I plan to become a lawyer, then become a politician and
become the first black governor of Maryland." Frederick
native Gayon Sampson, 15, has high hopes for his future.
"Then I will take myself to Washington and maybe even the
White House." As a Tuscarora High School
sophomore, class president and treasurer of the Tuscarora Student
Government Association, Sampson keeps himself busy.
This summer, he attended the Maryland Summer Center for Law and
Government's Gifted and Talented Students program, learning about
law in the state of Maryland. The two-week July experience at the
University of Maryland School of Law allowed rising high school
freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to "examine, analyze,
evaluate and better understand the U.S. legal system,"
according to a program press release.
"We practiced mock trials," Sampson said. "One
of the trials was in Maryland's Court of Appeals. We were able to
attend real court sessions and meet great lawyers and
judges." With a new school year beginning,
Sampson takes his roles as class president and SGA treasurer
seriously. "My responsibility is to be the voice
of our grade," he said. "Given this title, I must
represent myself in the best manner at all times."
As a member of Basketball Coaches Without Boundaries, Sampson
does just that. He became involved through his uncles, the
president and vice-president of the local volunteer nonprofit
organization. BCWB primarily offers youth basketball programs to
build physical and mental development and promote good
sportsmanship.
"This league is great for the youth in our community who
love basketball. They are able to play with friends throughout the
summer," Sampson said. Also a member of his
school's Model United Nations program, Sampson represented the
U.S. in their simulation last year. "I got involved through
interest in how our United Nations is run," he said.
It's not difficult to pinpoint Sampson's favorite school
subject. "Anything with history and government," he
said. "Ever since I was young, this subject has always
intrigued me. When I grow up I would like to become a lawyer and
politician." Sampson plans to attend the University of
North Carolina in a few years to earn a degree in political
science, then he wants to move on to law school. He is
a self-proclaimed "political junkie" and an avid Dallas
sports fan. "During this time of the year, I'm all over CNN
and ESPN," he said.
Sampson's ambition is grounded in religion, and he uses two
quotes to keep his life balanced: "In order to become the
greatest, be the greatest," and "I can do all things
through Christ, who strengthens me." |
