The Young And The Fearless

People Powering The Arts: Gary Lewis, 17, joined the massive Prince George's delegation at Maryland Arts Day Feb. 22. PHOTO: LEADERSHIP PRINCE GEORGE'S.

Meet Gary Lewis: Emerging Leader

By Nelia Dashiell  // Photography By Undefined Photography, Leadership Prince George's and RADENN MEDIA GROUP 

As the massive chamber room filled with visitors to state lawmakers Feb. 22, most people took the available seats around the room. Gary Lewis, 17, walked directly to the head of the hall and sat himself in the room’s chairman’s seat. Bold.

He was there as a member of the Emerging Leaders Program 2018 class and the group was in Annapolis for Maryland Arts Day to push lawmakers to expand funding for the arts.

But Mr. Lewis’ natural character inclinations suggest that he would apply his bold approach in any field he may be attracted toward.

To say Gary Lewis is a well-rounded 17-year-old would be an understatement. While balancing studying for the SATs and practicing lacrosse (which he has been doing for seven years now), Lewis says he still finds a way to relax with the team-based video game Overwatch, play with his dog and even watch some YouTube videos.

Lewis attends Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He’s the oldest of three children and hopes to one day become the best leader he can be. Lewis’s path to leadership is already looking spectacular. He has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club for seven years which he calls his safe haven. “That is the place I go when I need to vent out problems, brainstorm ideas for future community service projects, or even just to have some fun with extended family.”

Along with his roles at the Boys & Girls Club, Lewis is the president elect of a teen lead social movement called #OurLivesMatter Teen Campaign. The #OurLivesMatter campaign seeks to give teens a safe space to discuss issues that impact them and their communities while also helping them grow into great leaders for their communities. With this campaign, Lewis and his team host summits where they cover various topics dealing with discrimination, racism and current events impacting African-Americans. Lewis will officially become president of this astounding movement in June.

Lastly (for now), Lewis is a member of the Emerging Leaders Program of Leadership of Prince George’s, Inc. (LPG). “It seemed like one of the best programs in Prince George’s County to help me reach my goal to become the best leader I can be,” Gary replied when asked why he decided to join LPG.

LPG is an organization whose mission is to support area leaders by helping them improve their leadership skills and grow their professional networks. In their Emerging Leaders Program, LPG helps high school juniors and seniors by providing them with action-based opportunities to promote change in their communities.

Lewis plans to graduate high school and head straight into the Air Force. He also has the desire to become a successful personal trainer and eventually a physical therapist.