Daniel Delude
Age 12
Leader of the Recycling Crew at his middle school
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken so far?
The biggest risk I have taken so far is starting the Recycling Crew at school. Our school had no recycling program. Our PE teacher said I stood out as a leader and asked if I would start a program. So everyday we stay after school for 30 minutes and go the 44 classrooms to collect the recycling.
What inspired you to take this risk?
My PE teacher said I stood out as a leader and the world is not going to survive if we don’t care.
What did you have to overcome to do this?
We had to get students to actually start throwing their recycling in the right containers. We decided to make commercials for our school’s internal announcements to help spread the word and remind people.
What was the best part of your experience?
The best part of this entire experience is doing something good and fun with my friends.
How do you know it was worth the risk?
More and more kids are using the recycling bins!
What do you want to do next?
I am still figuring that out. We have to recruit new kids to join the crew before we leave for middle school.
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
Fun, smart, and a leader.
Have you ever felt like giving up? What do you do to overcome that feeling?
Definitely when we first started. In the beginning, I felt like kids weren’t listening. But you have to keep going.
Do you have a favorite pump-up song?
I like all types of music, but my favorite is Eye of the Tiger.
What advice would you share to anyone considering trying something new?
If you’re not having fun, no one else is going to want to do it and you’re not going to grow or develop more. Also if you can gain popularity for your club or business by getting the crowd involved, you’ll always do better.
