Six-year-old Lanarol reminded the Metanoia Family and hundreds of the Martin Luther King Day Parade watchers through historic downtown Charleston that we are all special.

Even though Lanarol is one of the smallest of Metanoia's Young Leaders (see picture), he led others in declaring their self-worth, encouraging individual strengths, and focusing on the idea that each person is unique.  With confidence and pride that stood much taller than his 3 feet of height, Lanarol inspired the crowd to, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" themselves and others.

I am special, Yes I am

I am special, Yes I am

Don't misuse me, Don't abuse me

Just R-E-S-P-E-C-T me.

You are special, Yes you are

You are special, Yes you are

I won't misuse you, I won't abuse you

I'll just R-E-S-P-E-C-T you.

This is just one of the cheers that Lenaro, one of Metanoia’s six-year-old Young Leaders, led as he eagerly took the karaoke mike on the Metanoia’s Martin Luther King Day Float from the adults half way through the parade, showing of his exceptional Presence as a Leader.  Participation in the Martin Luther King Day Parade has become a tradition at Metanoia.  For the past three years, Metanoia partner Verdi Architecture has donated a truck and trailer that we convert into a float with posters of Dr. King and other decorations. 

Lenaro led cheers for the last half of the parade including leading entire blocks in the cheer above along with choruses of This Little Light of Mine.  At Metanoia, we believe students are exceptional community assets who do not need to wait until the future to exercise their leadership skills.  Lenaro shows that leaders can be grown even at age six.