Bentley College honors Boston Latin’s precious Jewel

Christine McCall

She describes herself as a leader, a friend, blessed, motivated and an advocate, and she has even developed a motto for her life: “I have places to go, people to see, a life to live, making a difference in the world… What about YOU?” This young woman seems to have a good head on her shoulders, but would you believe that she is only 16 years old?

Jewel E. Cash Jr. of Boston is a junior at Boston Latin Academy and was selected as a finalist for the Bentley College 2006 Tomorrow25 and honored at a luncheon April 26 during a leadership forum.

“It’s a really big blessing, just getting nominated,” Cash said. “I try to find blessings I have and give back to the community.” When Cash found out she was a recipient of this high honor she said, “I was excited, really happy.”

Tomorrow25 is an international competition that was created by Bentley College to find and honor exceptional high school juniors who have exemplified extraordinary leadership qualities within their community. The 25 winners were selected through an extensive international nomination process and chosen by an international advisory board. Cash was the only African American recipient of the award.

“Bentley is committed to developing and celebrating leaders of tomorrow and Jewel demonstrates what we’re looking for in the Tomorrow25: initiative, citizenship, intelligence, technological savvy, cultural awareness and social responsibility,” Jeff Wright, chairman of the Tomorrow25 committee at Bentley said. “Jewel also has a passion for the real world of people and organizations, and a commitment to making positive things happen in her community.”

The leadership forum featured prominent leaders in the fields of business, technology, global affairs and arts and entertainment. Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S. Noel Fahey and President of AOL Media Networks were two of the speakers present at the forum.

Winners of the Tomorrow25 honor are featured in a national ad in TIME magazine this month. Cash says that she and the other 24 winners from around the world became close during the time they spent together, especially during the photo shoot. She was able to mingle with the other kids and says that they learned a lot from each other.

She said, “We’re still kids, but we’re trying to make a difference in the world.”

Cash is a busy young woman. She is involved as a student representative on the Boston School Committee, a member of the Boston Student Advisory Council, a host of her own cable television show called “The Making of an Artist” and she also volunteers as a dance instructor teaching students in grades 3 through 12. This list is only a short sampling of what Cash is involved with within her community.

One of Cash’s many passions in life is dance. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She said, “My mother used [dance] as a vehicle to avoid prejudice.” Cash learned various dance techniques and moves from many different cultures. With all the obligations Cash is committed to, dancing has been put on the sideline for now.

“I’m someone who does something all the way or not at all,” Cash said. Cash views her position as the student advisor to the school committee as an important one. She believes her role is “to ask key strategic questions” and says she “asks questions that spark ideas with other community members.”

Well known in her community and at school, people come to her for advice often. “It’s really touching to know people look up to me,” Cash said. “It’s rewarding to see it pay off.”

Cash says that her mother is a major source of encouragement in many aspects of her life. “My mother’s been a big support in my life,” she said. “Having support there helps a lot.”

Looking toward the future, Cash is optimistic. She is in the process of applying to 11 colleges and her top three choices currently are Northeastern, Harvard and Spelman. Cash has her eyes on the future and has come up with a few ideas about possible career paths she would like to pursue. She is interested in attending veterinary school, law school and thinking about a possible career in counseling.

Cash has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was three and said, “I love animals and always have,” but then she also acknowledged the importance of counselors and said, “We need some strong counselors for the school system.”

Still young, Cash has plenty of time to figure out where her talents can be best put to use.

As for the summer, Cash plans to continue teaching dance classes and attending meetings. Although Cash is mature for her age, she says that she has a balance and makes time for fun and her friends. Cash says she is always making her friends laugh. As senior year approaches, she is thinking ahead and plans to take part in Spirit Day and dance with a few of her friends. She is also very excited for her senior prom.

With Cash’s dedication, determination and drive to succeed, she is sure to make her mark. There is no doubt that with Cash’s positive outlook on life and big heart that she will be able to make a difference in her community and in the lives of people around her. “Seeing my community and how much better it can be [is what] motivates me,” Cash said.