By Stacey A. Shannon—
MUNCIE, Ind.—Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
Sports, academics and mentoring are all part of Joseph Hazen’s life. The Yorktown High School senior is the sixth of eight children in his family and is driven to succeed while also giving back to his school, classmates and community.
Hazen has played a variety of sports throughout his high school career, including football, basketball, swimming and track. As an athlete, he enjoyed participating in the IHSAA program Champions Together.
“I was able to bond with kids who have intellectual disabilities and make them feel part of the team, too,” Hazen said.
Hazen takes his leadership responsibilities seriously and said as captain of the football team this year, he was able to help his teammates be better both on and off the field.
“I try to hold my teammates accountable, and then they’ve got to hold me accountable as well,” he said.
But his fellow athletes aren’t the only students Hazen takes interest in. He is part of a mentoring program at Yorktown High School that pairs upper classmen with incoming freshmen. Hazen said he continues to stay in contact with his mentee.
“You become lifelong friends,” he said of the relationships formed in the mentoring program.
In the community, Hazen enjoys being part of the Muncie Catholic Youth Group. He also helped raise money for Riley Children’s Hospital through a danceathon and has helped his mom raise money for Haitian orphans through St. Mary Catholic Church since he was in fifth grade.
Hazen said being involved in his school and his community allows him to get to know others better and create more of a family atmosphere at school.
“I feel if everybody is able to come together and get to know each other, you can feel more comfortable, you can be more confident and you can just make each other better,” Hazen said.
The future Ball State University student plans to major in communications or business. Hazen is as serious about academics as he is about sports and community service. Numerous AP classes have helped him developed strong study skills throughout high school. Hazen is thankful for the opportunities he’s had at Yorktown High School and does his best to live each day to the fullest, advice that he is keen to pass on to those coming behind him.
“Try not to worry too much,” he said. “Everybody’s human. You shouldn’t stress over small things. Don’t let opportunities get away from you. And don’t procrastinate. If you see an opportunity, seize it.”
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