Madison Reporter

Leon Minkens, a sophomore at Shabazz High School, is known for his vibrant personality and aspirations to make a positive impact. His presence is felt by both teachers and classmates due to his outgoing nature and ability to uplift those around him.

"Leon is one of those students who can easily connect with others," stated Principal Nathan O’Shaugnessy. "He shows compassion and genuinely interacts with those around him."

Minkens values connection and thrives on the collaborative experiences at Shabazz. He believes group projects foster learning, problem-solving, and engagement among students.

He appreciates the dedication of teachers who strive for student success. Gym Teacher Kenny Lee stands out to Minkens because they share an interest in anime.

"I really enjoy the people here at Shabazz," said Minkens. "It’s a good community and a good environment. I love being at this school."

Aspiring to become an actor and filmmaker, Minkens aims to spread positive messages globally while highlighting contributions made by influential Black figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, and Malcolm X.

"I want to inspire the next generation of Black people and tell our unique history to share the stories of what they did, the differences they made, and how significant our heritage is."