John Sparkman Award Winner Talks Success

CC: What does it mean to you to win the John J. Sparkman award?

Madison Duboise: Winning this award meant a lot to me, all the previous John J. Sparkman award wonders have left a legacy at Sparkman and shaped our school in many ways. It is an honor to know that I am considered to have skills and qualities like those before me. This year has been challenging, as editor-in-chief of the journalism staff I had to work 10 times harder to achieve the success we have seen this year as a staff. It is extremely surreal to be recognized for my dedication for The Crimson Crier and our school. Saylor Cuzzort won this award last year and was also the editor-in-chief of our staff the previous year. I am grateful to know I am following in her footsteps and will hopefully be an inspiration to others like she is to me.

CC: How did it feel to be editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier ?

MD: Being the editor-in-chief of the Crimson Crier this past year was a challenge but one I think I handled well with my staff. Dealing with the restrictions COVID-19 had on us was something extremely difficult but our staff managed to produce an amazing four issues. At the beginning of this year, I would’ve never thought the things we did this year would be possible. Being on The Crimson Crier staff really changes the way you see the student body and staff. I have seen from a very interesting view how our school and students have grown. It is amazing to be in the position I am in and see the accomplishments of everyone around me and to get to share that.

CC: In what ways did you show your leadership skills throughout your high school career? 

MD: I think I have always been a leader but one that has always behind the scenes. I have always been involved but am not the face of every club at school. I think by being involved with NHS, FBLA and newspaper I set myself a part as a leader because I have such a diverse set of skills. Leadership doesn’t mean being a president or cabinet member, it means caring about something and people involved and showing that you do. Leadership has a broad meaning and to me it means always trying your best to make people around you excited about your goals and assisting in every way possible.

CC: What legacy would you like to leave?

MD: I hope to be an inspiration to at least one person, I don’t need to make a big change or leave behind a legacy, I just want to impact at least one person. I hope somebody at graduation or still in school sees the drive and passion I have.

CC: What are your future plans? 

MD: I am attending The University of Alabama to major in Communications. I have dreams of being a broadcast journalist or communications director after college.

CC: This school year was a tough one. What did it teach you ? 

MD: This year taught me that despite anything you can keep going. There is nothing holding you back besides yourself. I believe over this past school year I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. COVID-19 and quarantine was hard on millions across the globe, it changed our lives, but it showed me that it I was willing to work that no circumstance would deter me. 

CC: What is your advice to future Sparkman seniors? 

MD: Do EVERYTHING you possibly can. You will regret every opportunity you miss or think you can’t handle. You are beyond capable, show the world that.