Winners/The Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award

The Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award was presented to Mr. Troy Smith from Vicksburg High School in Vicksburg, Michigan, at the Courageous Persuaders® Awards Celebration on May 19, 2011. Mr. Smith is a Video Productions teacher and made Courageous Persuaders® an integral part of his own curriculum. He's been described as not only an amazing teacher, but an inspiration to many, many students. It is clear to the student who nominated him that he really cares about his students and does everything in his power to make a difference. Brandon Klein, the student from Vicksburg High School who nominated Mr. Smith said, “He pushes our class to make great videos, and is always full of energy, also teaches us responsibility and the importance of preparation.” He is a true Courageous Leader.

“When I first heard of the Courageous Persuaders® contest, I was very interested in the idea that it was high schoolers making videos that would persuade middle schoolers. The anti-drinking message is just as important for the high school students to hear, work on and develop as it is for the middle school students to receive. For about five years now, I have made it a mandatory class assignment because of its importance, and have enjoyed seeing several of my students win awards for their hard work. The opportunity to create a powerful 30-second PSA that is fresh, inventive and memorable, is a terrific challenge for any film student. I love to see the range of different tactics that my students use ranging from funny, dramatic, touching, and even action-packed at times.

I am very honored to be chosen for The Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award. As a film teacher, I am pleased to have the opportunity to make this important cause a focus point in my classroom, knowing that the results of the work created will positively affect my own students as much as the middle school viewers. I want to thank Brandon Klein for nominating me and all those at The Wall Street Journal and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Education Foundation for making this possible."
- Mr. Troy Smith

Did your teacher, friend or community leader make a major contribution to Courageous Persuaders®?  Nominate them for the 2012 Courageous Leader Award, and tell us how they did it.