Page 10 - MILA_2025 Annual Report

Impact Stories
Stories

“Mirror Image Leadership Academy means everything to me. I have met a lot of new
friends, gone on many new adventures, and learned what it truly means to be a scholar.
To me, being a scholar means leading by example and always doing the right thing,
even when no one is watching. I feel like I have found my purpose through Mirror
Image Leadership Academy. When we went on a trip and met multi-millionaires, it
inspired me and helped me realize that I want to achieve that level of success one day.
I want to become a mechanical engineer and make my family and Mr. Miller proud.”
- KEMARION MILLER 9TH GRADE SCHOLAR

“Mirror Image Leadership Academy has helped me in so many ways. It has helped me
find the leader within me and has inspired me to influence others to become leaders
as well. The program has shown me many di"erent paths I can take in my life. I truly
appreciate this program, and I hope others can have as much fun and gain as much
from it as I have.”
- KEVIN BOYD JR. 9TH GRADE SCHOLAR

“Mirror Image Leadership Academy has helped me grow as a leader and learn more about
myself. The exposure trips we go on allow me to see a variety of di"erent careers, which
helps me understand what to be prepared for as I become an adult. MILA also teaches
us pillars that remind me I am made in the image and likeness of God and that I have
value. The program has helped me build my leadership skills, confidence, and character,
and it is shaping me into a stronger leader for the future. Going on the international trip
to Africa also helped grow my confidence by allowing me to experience new things and
step outside of my comfort zone.”
- LARRY PAYTON 9TH GRADE SCHOLAR

“Mirror Image has helped keep me on track with school and life in general. Mirror Image
shows me how to be a leader and reminds me that God has a valuable plan for my life.
It also encourages me to stay focused, make better decisions, and believe in my future.”
- BRAYLON GOFF 9TH GRADE SCHOLAR

“Mirror Image Leadership Academy (MILA) is a three-year leadership program dedicated
to making a positive impact in Black households and communities. Through meaningful
experiences and intentional teaching, MILA has helped shape my work ethic and strengthen
my self-image. The program does not create leaders; it draws out the leader that God has
placed within each of us. MILA has personally motivated me to work harder in school and
take greater ownership of my future. Our trip to Atlanta expanded my perspective and
exposed me to a wide range of opportunities I can pursue.”
- AARON BERTRAND 8TH GRADE SCHOLAR

“MILA has meant a lot to me, from meeting new friends to being exposed to great
opportunities over the past two years. The program has also helped me improve my
behavior and grow as a person. Before joining MILA, my goals were to become an
electrician or a plumber. Now, it is harder for me to choose what I want to do when I
get older because of all the places we have visited and the opportunities I have seen. I
truly appreciate being part of MILA and everything it has taught me.”
- TYSON DAVIS 8TH GRADE SCHOLAR