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CABE Leadership Winners

Emily Laput and Eric Meade have been awarded the CABE Student Leadership Award recipients for the last two years. This award not only symbolizes their dedication to leadership and extracurricular activities, but it also reveals their time management skills and determination to stay involved. 

“When I first heard I won the CABE Student Leadership Award, I thought it was a mistake,” Laput said. “I actually asked Mr. Ogren to confirm that we won this for the second year in a row.”

Laput and Meade are proud because the award affirms that the work they are doing both inside and outside of the school is making an impact. 

Many of the qualities that Laput exemplifies, she learned during Student Government. She believes that anyone can be a leader.

Both Laput and Meade have both demonstrated many characteristics that have led them to both their leadership opportunities and recognition. Laput has always taken pride in becoming not only a great leader, but a great person. 

“I think a good leader is someone who sees the unseen,” Laput said. “I try my best to talk to a variety of people to foster different perspectives and backgrounds.” 

While Meade has been president of the Class of 2022 for five years, he has also earned co-captain of Quizbowl and indoor track, along with becoming a member in various honor societies. While Laput has an outside job, she is also involved in 11 clubs and organizations within Woodland, while completing two internships.

“It is a lot,” Laput said. “But I enjoy being busy. It’s my happy place. Each [activity] serves a different purpose for me, and everyone’s threshold for the amount they can handle is different.”

Meade was never able to attend the board meeting where his award was presented last year due to quarantine, so he ended up just getting the award from school. This year, both Laput and Meade will have the opportunity to accept their award in front of the Region 16 Board of Education. 

“This award means a lot to me simply because I love helping people, and it’s nice to get recognition for some of the things I do,” Meade said. 

Emily has also completed many community service activities. For instance, she has raised over $12,000 for various local charities and is president of the Connecticut Association of Student Councils for three years where she spreads mental health awareness. 

“A leader is able to go against the crowd and stay firm in their decisions, while also being open to opinions. It is a lot of responsibility and pressure and sometimes, it can feel like all eyes are on you,” Laput said. “But, it is impossible to please everyone, so take pride in what you do and share it with others.”

Liana Demirs

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