Michelle Delana is a senior at Regina Dominican High School. She has been recognized as a Carson Scholars recipient, Highest Honors in Academics for the 2013-2014 school year, Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, recipient of the Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers Award, National Merit Semifinalist, and will be a participant in the upcoming November Cross Country State Sectionals.

How would you describe your leadership style?
​I am a quiet leader and lead by example.

Describe the most important quality, value, or characteristic trait that you feel is essential of an effective leader.
The most important quality to have as a leader is the ability to listen.  Knowing what others want and how they feel allows you to lead people in any kind of situation.

What is the hardest part of being a leader?
The hardest part of being a leader is making sure that everyone feels equally involved and motivated.  A group will get nowhere if only half of its members are comfortable and willing to cooperate.

What person, famous or not, who has had an impact on you as a leader?
A person who has had an impact on me as a leader is my piano teacher, Mrs. Mally.  She recognizes me as a leader among the other students, and I admire her patience and easygoing nature.  She treats every student the same, whether they want to major in music or just play the piano as a hobby.

What advice would you give graduating seniors?
Don’t be afraid to go after what you want and take chances.