STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Heritage Senior Leon Hicks
Takes pride in participating in NJROTC
Posted: April 30, 2024
Leon Hicks knows exactly when he decided to start making the most of his school experience.
Halfway through ninth grade, he knew he needed a reset. Now a senior at Heritage High School, Hicks has participated in activities and connected with people at every opportunity.
Knowing he had not made his best use of middle school and losing his father between ninth and tenth grades led him to choose to be a student leader in every way.
"That really affected me and that really told me that things are getting real," Hicks said. "I need to stop acting the way I'm acting and start getting my act together. So overall my attitude has definitely changed."
His mother was always there for him, while Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps sponsors Eric Tyson and Sampson Edmonds in Heritage's Naval Science department played big roles.
"Commander Tyson and Senior Chief Edmonds really helped me to change my attitude so that I see more positively the school and life in general," Hicks said.
"And one thing that was told to me that really sticks with me is: 'This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.' You can take that any way you want to. But I'll take it as coming in with a good attitude, smiling every day, saying Hi to people. Even if it's a bad day; it's coming in with positivity."
Hicks is senior class president, actively involved as a student ambassador and heavily involved in NJROTC and DECA. He is described as a well-rounded student who models what it takes to be a Hurricane as he's always ready and willing to serve the school and community.
"I take a lot of pride in NJROTC because not only does it teach you everything about military, it also teaches you about being a person in a business in general," Hicks said. "I really love that and that's really what changed me. Commander Tyson's help has really uplifted me both as a leader and a person."
Wanting to promote Heritage and stoke school spirit has Hicks wearing every school logoed thing he can get his hands on to positively represent the Hurricanes community. He recommends that students do their part to contribute, making good use of their time in the present.
Outside of school, Hicks participates in community service projects with his church and works two jobs. He will attend Norfolk State University on an Army scholarship, planning to major in mechanical engineering and go into the Army's officer training program after graduation.
He has left his mark on Heritage.
"Do something unique that sets you apart," Hicks said. "Talk to one person who sits alone."
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