This month marks the end of an era at Greenway High School as Student Council President Ainslie Dunbar delivered her final farewell with a standing ovation and heartfelt memories. Ainslie’s year-long term as one of the school’s most admired student leaders comes to an end, and someone new will have to fill her shoes.
Ainslie Dunbar, a senior known for her tireless work and amazing leadership, concluded her presidency with a message about courage and her community.
“The most influential things that I believe I have done were to make a few adjustments to how the student council class runs and, with the help of the rest of the student council, run our black out assembly,” Senior Ainslie Dunbar said. She has influenced a lot of people, whether in class or outside.
Her ability to bring people together and take small moments, and cherish them shows a lot in her character. Her days were often filled with long meetings, tough decisions, and the pressure to meet expectations, yet she goes above and beyond to bring out the green and gold spirit to everyone and ensures every student is seen and heard. Ainslie’s legacy is marked not just by following orders in the book, but by the way she uplifted those around her. Her leadership style combined strength and compassion, and her actions reflected a deep commitment to her school and the people around her.
As she looks back on her year as president, she has learned a lot from her leadership role.
“Throughout my term as president, I have learned so many new things from the leaders around me. I have learned the value of “leadership” and how impactful it is to others, myself, and the community around me. I also have learned that the only thing stopping you from achieving your dreams is yourself, and not to minimize your light for others,” she said. When Ainslie spoke about the only thing stopping you from reaching your dream is yourself. She points out the personal lesson she learned as she came to understand how self-doubt could be a trouble for her. She highlights the importance of owning your voice and recognizing your worth.
For future leaders who want to step into her role, Ainslie is an example of how to lead with love.
“Some advice I would give to someone in my position would be to see the good in everything. Sometimes things can take a turn for the worse, but remember you must adapt and overcome for the better. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! You’re only a senior in high school once and make it memorable while you still can!”
Her words remind future leaders who are going to be in her position by encouraging others to see the good in everything. Ainslie shares her mindset that helps her face challenges with hope instead of being frustrated. She understands the challenges that people may face, but they’re a natural part of any journey, and it’s how you respond that matters. She also reminds others to have fun and enjoy those moments. So appreciated those special moments of being a senior and student leader because times go by fast without you realizing it.
As Ainslie takes her final steps down the hall of Greenway High School, she leaves behind the memories she has cherished the most. The weight of the goodbye settles in her heart. The familiar classrooms, the spirited hallways, the classmates she sees parting ways for different careers. These all become memories she can no longer hold onto. As she put on her cap and gown and says her goodbyes, what hurts the most isn’t leaving the roles, but leaving the people, the small moments, and her student council family. She gave everything she had to this school, and in return, it gave her the strength to become who she is. Though the goodbyes are painful and her future is waiting for her to start a new adventure, her story here will never truly end because her heart will always beat for Greenway High School.
