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hometown hero

Video: Paving the path for a bright future

Centennial student named Hometown Hero as Leader of Tomorrow

Posted 10/5/21

Centennial High School Senior Crystal Bond has a bright future ahead of her.

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hometown hero

Video: Paving the path for a bright future

Centennial student named Hometown Hero as Leader of Tomorrow

Posted

Centennial High School Senior Crystal Bond has a bright future ahead of her.

She has shown leadership in her school and community for years, serving on student council first at Paseo Verde Elementary School and then all four years of high school at Centennial, where she is currently student body president.

She has participated in many leadership opportunities and has started a number of initiatives that drive the community, from fundraisers to school inclusion and spirit events, including more than 50 hours of community service per year through her church, National Honor Society and student council.

And of course, a well rounded person like Bond wouldn’t be complete without athletics, participating in softball, track and field, as well as cross country.

For her work her work in the community and in her school, Bond has been named the Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the Leader of Tomorrow category.

The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their local achievements and distinguished contributions to the community.

Bond will be honored at an awards luncheon next year.

In partnership with the city of Peoria, she also will be interviewed by the city and aired on Channel 11.

Get to know Bond here.

What you like most about living in Peoria?

I love the community around us. When people are needed to come together, everyone is all-hands-on deck. We have everything we need in the immediate area and are close enough to be able to make those personal connections to many of the people around us.

What does it mean to be a Peoria resident?

To be a friendly neighbor to everyone. The people in this city are always there to give a helping hand.

Taking pride in our city, because if we didn’t it, would not be at the point it is today.

What do you bring to the local community that makes it better?

I think that I bring ambition. Talking to so many people and hearing from so many different perspectives helps me create new ideas and go about many situations in ways that can be noted as less common.

What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?

No matter how small or large something may seem, it could affect someone else greatly. Going about your life making a positive difference changes people’s lives, even if it may seem insignificant on your end.

Changes you’d like to see in this area?

I’d love to see a community service based cleanup program for some of the most littered streets, or revamped recycling programs placed all around the city.

What have you learned from your family?

My family has never failed to teach me the trait of giving. Not only gift giving, but giving time, effort, love, patience and many more important attributes that help people grow in unison together.

Interests and hobbies.

One of the things I love to do is throw for track & field. My first full season of track was last year (2021) and I truly found my love for the sport. I went to the state championship and placed 6th in one event and 10th in another, with aspirations to break school records this upcoming season. I also would like to pursue my athletic career in college. I am also very interested in history and politics. I always find myself staying up-to-date on various historical and political events.

Trait(s) you admire in others.

Honesty, selflessness, patience, communication, faithfulness. The willingness to talk things out and be truthful about how you’re feeling.

People who inspired you (and how).

My parent’s story has always inspired me, two different people that came together from two different backgrounds that now live together in unison with three great kids.

Advice to today’s youth.

Loving yourself and what you do is the easiest way to find meaning. Finding a sense of purpose helps open the doors to helping others find their sense of security and purpose in themselves.

Future goals.

Attend college to pursue a degree in secondary education/history and be on the track & field team in college. I want to make the impact on kids at the high school level because I know how influential teachers can be at such a monumental point in time.