Nov. 29, 2020
By Angelina DeLuca
Webmaster
Junior Bella Banuls got a unique opportunity this summer. Selected as LHS’ representative for HOBY, Banuls attended the organization’s first-ever online state leadership seminar on July 24 and 25.
Guidance counselor Ms. Leidemer said Banuls was selected for this honor because of her volunteer work and selflessness.
“She had her heart set on HOBY since freshman year,” Leidemer said. “She is someone who volunteers in many aspects through the community.”
Leidemer said Banuls was a standout candidate for HOBY because she does her best to include everyone, especially special needs students.
Banuls teaches a dance class to special needs youth, volunteers for Sparks and contributes her time to Special Angels. Sparks is a cheerleading team for special needs children and teens, and Special Angels is a program that involves special needs children in sports such as basketball and football.
She aspires to pursue a career in special education and become an occupational therapist so she can help those with special needs.
“What makes Bella a good leader is that she’s very kindhearted and willing to help others.”
Banuls became passionate about helping people with special needs because her older brother Tyler is autistic.
This year, she is even assisting him in his role-playing the cowbell, tambourine, bass drum and cymbal in the marching band.
Banul’s friend junior Ryan Pando described her as caring and respectful.
“She’s a good friend because you can always rely on her,” Pando said.
He said the fact that she is accepting makes her a capable leader.
“She will never judge a person,” Pando said.
Banuls’ friend junior Deena Najariasl also described Banuls as a good friend and strong leader.
“What makes Bella a good leader is that she’s very kindhearted and willing to help others,” Najariasl said.
She said Banuls’ helpful nature is evident by the volunteer work she does with Sparks and Special Angels.
“She volunteers for her heart and not for service hours,” Najariasl said.
Banuls said her mom and grandmother have inspired her to follow the path of leadership and volunteerism. For that reason, Banuls said it was her dream to represent LHS at HOBY.
She said the seminar was attended by about 240 students as well as 75 volunteers. Now that she has completed the program, Banuls will be able to return next year as a volunteer.
Banuls said when she was very excited to receive the news from Leidemer that she had been admitted to HOBY.
“I remember screaming, and I’m pretty sure I asked her if she was sure I was the one chosen because I couldn’t believe it,” said Banuls.
Banuls said she was especially looking forward to attending because a fellow volunteer on Sparks had good experiences when she represented her town at HOBY.
”I remember seeing everything that she got to experience: presentations [and] making new friends with people that had goals, the entire experience,” Banuls said.
Originally HOBY was supposed to take place at Kean University in Union. The participants were supposed to live in a dorm while hearing from inspiring speakers, participating in skill-building activities and engaging in community service activities. Even though this year’s seminar took place virtually, Banuls said she was still able to make friends from all over New Jersey and stay in contact with them. For instance, after the seminar some participants got together to bond on Zoom.
Banuls said she highly recommends sophomores apply to be a HOBY representative because attending the seminar was a great experience and a dream come true.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be chosen, and it’s something that will be a part of your life forever,” said Banuls.
