Camillus NY student selected for national leadership academy

Photo By Capt. Aaron Moshier | Marissa Dow waves a red chain flag during a performance in Camillus, New York. Dow was nominated to attend the Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy this summer at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.  

MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION ALBANY, NY, UNITED STATES

05.30.2018

Story by Sgt. Terence Brady 

1st Marine Corps District

A Camillus, New York, native and student at West Genessee High School was recently selected to attend a leadership development academy hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps.
When Marissa Dow heard about the Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy while talking to a recruiter at her school, she knew this was an opportunity she had to take.
The academy, abbreviated as SLCDA, is a week-long summer program that provides high school students from across the nation training and development in leadership skills, character, and ethics in order to produce self-motivated, quality citizens.
Dow is one of the less than 100 students attending the academy this summer who have shown physical, mental, and moral courage and responsibility within and outside school.
Dow maintains a high tempo school and extracurricular lifestyle, taking advanced placement courses at her school, being part of the National Honor Society, and participating in her school’s color guard program.
“I have been in the color guard since freshman year,” said Dow. “Many of my friends were in the marching band, but I [don’t] play an instrument, so I decided to join guard.”
Going into her senior year of high school, Dow will be taking on the role of mentor for her color guard teammates, teaching them basic skills and to work as a team.
“Color guard is an extremely team-oriented activity, and you must be in sync with all of the members of the guard, and with the band as well,” said Dow. “Helping other members learn new work and drill is a huge part of what makes a guard successful.”
Dow is also involved in other developmental activities. During the summer time, Dow will be traveling to Camp Talooli, a summer camp in Syracuse, New York, to work as a camp counselor.
“At Camp Talooli, all of the counselors have to work together to plan activities and handle any situation that is thrown their way,” said Dow. “I hope to be able to share the experiences that I gain at SCLDA with these people in order to better our team.”
Dow said her mother was ecstatic about the news of her nomination, and her support and example have given her the motivation to pursue her goals.
“She pushes me to do my best and never lets me give up, and has instilled in me the drive and ambition to do whatever I put my mind to,” said Dow.
Dow hopes to one day become a Marine, and believes the academy will help her attain her goal.
“I have always been interested in joining the military, but after meeting with a recruiter at my school, I became aware that the Marine Corps is the path for me,” said Dow. “I believe that SLCDA will help me to develop confidence in myself and my abilities, and give me a taste of what life will be like when I do become a Marine.”

• Date Taken: 05.30.2018
• Date Posted: 05.30.2018 16:04
• Story ID: 278878
• Location: MARINE CORPS RECRUITING STATION ALBANY, NY, US
• Hometown: CAMILLUS, NY, US