Student of the Year Winner from Leadership Conference

At a recent Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies Student Leadership State Conference in Grand Rapids, Bloomfield Hills High School 12th grader Joe Dillon received the highest honor, being awarded 2024 MASC/MAHS Student of the Year. Dillon, as the senior BHHS executive board technology advisor, was nominated for this award by student leadership classmates. Congratulations to Joe Dillon on this prestigious achievement!

Dillon’s leadership experience comes in large part through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Joe notes, “As a diabetic, being able to make change that has a direct impact on a community was important to me. I first got involved in the JDRF in 7th grade, and had such a great experience that I continued my role in the JDRF as a youth ambassador.” In this role, Dillon participates in numerous events such as walks and silent auctions. Dillon adds, “As an avid golfer I would show up to JDRF golf outings and give speeches regarding the impact of further research funded by JDRF. On a more personal level, I reached out to some younger diabetics and helped them get involved: walking them through the basics of fundraising, helping with applications for youth ambassadors, and being a safe space for any questions someone may have about diabetes and high school.”

Dillon joined student leadership as a sophomore, fulfilled the tech advisor role, and then ran for the executive board.  “My favorite message is that leadership does not need to be these massive projects that raise thousands of dollars; leadership can be smiling more in the hallways, sitting at a new table at lunch, or learning a backflip in a few days for the boy's poms assembly during Homecoming week (true story). I feel like I have grown as a leader and person by putting myself out there, taking on new roles, and making those roles my own.”

Dillon reflects, “There are many setbacks that any individual may face in their lifetime; however, ‘It's not about what happens to you in life, it's what you do about it.’ In my case, it was type 1 diabetes and it took a while to come to terms with it. But once I did, I turned it into a gateway to helping others.”