Beacon Hill Ambassador Program

What motivated you to begin your journey as a Junior Ambassador for Beacon Hill? 

My passion for the past seven years has been educational inequality. As a student who attends a school with a surplus of educational resources, I have always thought about the students who were bright, gifted, talented and creative, who do not have the same access to tutors and other educational resources needed to reach full potential. My goal before I graduated was to take all the education, experience, exposures, and tools I have been exposed to and share with other students. 

The summer before my freshman year, I found out about Beacon Hill Academy, which provides free tutoring to students in Dallas Independent School District, who also are bright, talented, gifted, and creative. I immediately thought if I could bring Beacon Hill Academy to St. Mark’s School of Texas as a way for St. Marks to participate in helping with tutoring efforts, this would be a win for both educational organizations. I filled out the application at my school to begin the Beacon Hill Online Tutoring Club for students who want to earn community service hours by doing online tutoring for Beacon Hill. 

Our club has now grown to be a part of our Civics Board Council, where this fall, we will have 40 students tutoring. My hope is that students will see what they have been blessed with is not just for them but most importantly for others. 

I wanted to do even more after that. I decided it would be a great idea to intern with Beacon Hill over the summer to learn even more about the program and help in other ways. That led me to the idea of fundraising which has gone very well. 

Provide two things you have learned during your experience with Beacon Hill. 

One thing I learned from Beacon Hill is how to truly develop an elevator pitch. I also learned the importance of preparation when it comes to meeting with potential donors. 

Any words of encouragement or motivation for youth to follow in your footsteps in the future and also become Junior Ambassadors for Beacon Hill? 

I would say to always remember why you're doing it. It’s not just about adding something impressive to your resume; it's fundamentally about helping the kids. Your work has the power to make a significant difference in their lives. If you truly are passionate about your work, it makes the experience that much more enjoyable and fulfilling. Stay connected to your purpose. 

Responses By: Lawrence G. 

Photography: Scott Peek Photography