Honorable Mention Winner
Shannon Maguire
Pensacola Junior College
Sophomore in Business
3.50 GPA
     "It takes skill, hard work, and determination to be a great leader, and that’s what keeps me motivated in the leadership positions I have right now as a college student," says Shannon Maguire, 21.
     As legislative liaison for Pensacola Junior College's SGA, Maguire discusses current educational concerns within her district, which includes 10 Florida community colleges. Enrollment, financial aid, and the student fees bill top the list of topics. At the state conference, student delegates from community colleges across the state, including Maguire, vote for the issues that they want voiced to local legislators. "Ultimately, we believe the students should have a strong say in legislative issues that affect our schools and how they’re run," Maguire says.
     As a liaison, Maguire hopes to improve student and administrative relations by letting students know their concerns aren't going unheard. "I’ve noticed that students don’t realize that administrators really want to know what students think," Maguire says. "My goal is awareness. I want to let students know that they can make a difference and that they shouldn’t be afraid to voice their minds."
     As a PJC ambassador, Maguire represents the school at functions including registration, orientation, graduation, the PJC Health Fair, and College Night. Her duties include organizing events, giving campus tours to local high-school students, passing out programs and awards, and answering any questions that pop up during various activities. Peter Wilkin, director of student life at PJC, couldn’t think of anyone better to represent the school. "Shannon models the many qualities that I would love to see in every one of our students," Wilkin says. "She consciously attempts to make a positive, constructive difference in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with."
     In the fall of 2000, Maguire established a program where students can avoid the intimidating one-on-one atmosphere of a tutor and get together with other scholars to study homework, review for tests, and get to know each other. "The Study Buddy Network groups students together according to their courses at convenient times and locations," Maguire says. "The purpose of this network is to raise student grade point averages, improve class satisfaction, and initiate lasting friendship."
     Volunteering also plays a huge role in Maguire’s leadership activities. "Shannon’s maturity and commitment to service have led her to be involved in many humanitarian activities for the benefit of our community, including the March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity," says Charles A. Atwell, PJC president. Maguire also is active at the local Baptist College Ministry and Boys and Girls Club. "Every semester I coordinate times for my fellow SGA members to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club," Maguire says. She also helps raise money for the PJC "Bearing Gifts Project," a program that purchases Christmas teddy bears, which volunteers distribute to children at local hospitals. No matter what project she works on, for profit or not, Maguire always makes sure it impacts someone’s life in a positive way.
     With her influence in SGA affairs, Maguire feels it's most important to make people realize that they can make a difference. "Students need to get together because when they do something positive it has a positive affect on the community," Maguire says.
     Although she has a part-time job, scholarship money pays for all of Maguire’s educational needs. After graduating she hopes to return the favor to other struggling students. "I want to be able to give back through scholarships," says Maguire. "I want to help others who have the motivation, but not the means."
Contact Maguire at shayjm@excite.com.