B

The competition was so strong, two Hamblen County middle school students were named champions in the 2023 Morristown-Hamblen Lions Club Essay Contest Monday night.

Both Jaisa Barnard, a seventh-grader at East Ridge and Grace Cates, a seventh-grader at West View, were each awarded a $300 check and a plaque from the Lions at their meeting at Shoney’s on West Andrew Johnson Highway.

This year’s subject was “Lead with Compassion.”

“We voted sometime back to have an essay contest for students in the Hamblen County School System,” Membership Coordinator Gene Honeycutt said. “These (essays) were so good that we made them Co-Number ones. They were very, very good.”

Grace Cates’ essay was on Ruth in The Bible.

“Ruth was filled to the brim with compassion,” Grace said. “She was a role model and leader to all people, Christian or not, because of her compassion. Ruth was so compassionate about Naomi (her mother in law), she was willing to give up everything for her. Ruth was brave enough to go into a man’s field to gather crops so she and Naomi wouldn’t starve. The empathy Ruth showed toward Naomi was another important aspect of how she led with compassion (and) backed it up with her actions.”

Grace said that all leaders would benefit their leadership styles after leaders like Ruth who led with such high levels of compassion, which she called “servant leadership.”

Jaisa Barnard said to have compassionate leadership, one must have excellent self-awareness.

“Compassionate leadership involves a focus on relationships through careful listening, to understanding empathizing with and supporting other people,” Jaisa said. “Those we lead should feel valued and respected so they can reach their potential and they can do their best work.”

Compassionate leadership creates stronger connections between people, improves collaboration and raises the level of trust, Jaisa said.

“Studies find that compassionate leaders are perceived as stronger and more competent. Leaders show compassion by ensuring clear and transparent communication with individuals,” Jalisa said.

Lion’s Club Secretary Lisa Grooms said that judging the essays was a “hard, hard decision.”

“I not only appreciate these young ladies,” Grooms said. “I know a lot of people don’t give kids any credit. We had some good essays come through and it was really hard to choose. I think we chose two very good ones. We are proud of both of you.”

Grace is the daughter of Chris and Sarah Cates while Jaisa is the daughter of Brian and Shelby Barnard.