Hi, my name is Zion Williams, and I’m raising money to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference. I am one of two students selected to represent Storm Grove Middle School for the School District of Indian River County in Vero Beach, FL who will either be selected for Atlanta or Washington, D.C. My deadline is March 1st!

I’m a straight A student currently in 8th grade, a member of the National Junior Honor Society (2nd year) and I’ve already earned four high school credits. I serve on my school’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC) team — and I was honored to be nominated twice between 6th and 8th grade.

Leadership and service are very important to me. I’ve volunteered with the local Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated chapter, Rotary International (GA), Indian River Healthy Start Coalition, and Take Flight Counseling and Consulting, helping support families and mothers in need. Presently, I was selected to tutor 6th and 7th graders to help them succeed academically.

In the arts I play two instruments: clarinet and bass clarinet. I’ve been first chair in band and the woodwind sectional leader for three years in a row. I’ve been selected to perform with Bella Voce, our school’s top choir, for two years. I have also been selected to represent my school district for All State for the Treble Choir held in Tampa FL two years in a row (7th & 8th grade). Just two weeks ago I earned straight superiors for my solo — the highest rating — at Solo and Ensemble held in Stuart, FL.

I participate with the Article Club to strengthen my writing skills and have assisted with live morning announcements. In 5th grade, I served as the Safety Patrol leader for all other selected safety patrol members. I was also part of the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) Robotics Club one summer, where I was featured as a club member in the TC Palm newspaper for the robot I built.

Recently I started my own small nail business, DeZigns by Z, to build leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Since 1985, Envision's experiential learning programs have helped more than 800,000 high-achieving students, like me, expand their leadership abilities, discover their passion for a future career, and realize the power of their potential. At JrNYLC, I will get invaluable hands-on experience and develop lifelong success skills among fellow high-achieving students. I will enjoy leadership development, explore problem solving through the lens of American history, and discover how to apply leadership strategies to everyday challenges. I’ll also collaborate with other students to create action-oriented solutions in a simulation designed to make a positive difference at school, in the community, or in the world. The program includes historic site visits to places like the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park in Atlanta, and more.

Attending the NJHS Conference will allow me to grow as a leader, attend workshops, and bring new ideas back to my school and community. With your support, I can continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact. I am so thankful for any contribution you would consider supporting me as I embark on what I hope will be an unforgettable experience!