Cicero Leak is this week’s Gator of the Week! He is a fifteen year old who likes working out, writing poetry, music with messages, traveling to Florida, reading (he recommends Stamped From the Beginning), and following his favorite sports teams which he tells me, “are the Dallas Cowboys, UNC Tarheels basketball, Miami Heat and, of course, the LA Lakers.”

Leak was nominated by one Green Level’s healthful living teachers, Ben Goudeau, who is also the head football coach. Goudeau says he attends class everyday on time with his camera on, adding, “Not only is he an active participant but he also communicates when he has a question”.

Though Leak is doing well in school, he says he prefers in-person learning where he participated in football, wrestling, and track before the pandemic hit.

“In addition to class participation, he’s getting involved in the community,” Goudeau elaborates. 

Leak explained that the world was and still is witnessing two pandemics, one of a fatal disease, and another of systemic racism, “As an African American male in my diverse community, I wanted to help change some of these situations. The only thing I could think to do was to volunteer to help others. So, I asked my parents, my coach, and my football team to help me collect donations for the community.” 

He is also currently working to help make the best conditions for voting, “Since I cannot volunteer at the polls, I decided to collect water to donate to the local polling sites.” Leak adds that there is still time to drop off items at his location if you are willing to help, “We need all able people to get out and vote!  Tell your parents and anyone age 18 and older to vote!”

Leak appreciates all of his teachers and coaches, and tells me, “ I know that Coach Woolf, Mrs. Reid, Coach Godeau and so many others keep me busy and help support me daily.”

The Gator’s Eye congratulates on Leak for his great work and participation in school and the community!