A leader by example: Julian Canda chosen as Future First Citizen

By Kristine Thomas

Gathered in a huddle with his teammates before the start of the third quarter of the basketball game against Lebanon High School on Jan. 17, Silverton High School senior Julian Canda had no idea what he should do when his name was announced as Future First Citizen.

He turned to his teammate Toby Roth for advice.

What he did surprised his mother, Nicole Hanson, who had to learn about her only child’s actions second hand. She couldn’t attend the game that evening because there was a foot of snow at her house.

“I didn’t even know he knew how to do that,” she said, laughing. “How does he know how to give a princess wave?”

What doesn’t surprise her – or anyone else who knows – Julian is he was chosen by the Silverton Chamber of Commerce selection committee as the 2011 Future First Citizen.

He will be recognized for his volunteer work at the high school and in the community at the 41st annual First Citizen banquet on Feb. 11.

“It was a good feeling to receive the award,” Julian said. “I like helping people and want to continue to do so in the future.”

Silverton High School Principal Mark Hannan said he has met some amazing young people during his career.

“Julian ranks right at the top,” Hannan said. “He is humble and respectful. He is the type of student that all students like and respect.”

Hannan said Julian is not the most “demonstrative leader… he simply leads by example.

“I meet with ASB students weekly and when they discuss ways to get the student body involved, they will say, “If Julian will do it, the other kids will, too,” Hannan said.

A varsity athlete in football, basketball and track, Julian has a 3.98 grade point average, his only B in chemistry. He has tutored students in math and Spanish and volunteered for Silverton Area Community Aid, National Honor Society’s Tree of Giving and Celebration of Cultures.

He has worked at high school youth sports camps, been a Link Crew member and is an ASB member.

Julian was named to The Oregonian’s All-State Football Team for second team defense along with teammate Torrey Rogness who was named to the honorable mention team for offense.

Silverton High varsity football coach John Mannion said Julian is a great student and excellent athlete who is kind and polite to everyone.

“He is a true leader by example,” Mannion said. “He takes great initiative. If there is a job to be done, he does it.  Whether it is cleaning up the locker room or picking up the cafeteria after lunch. I loved coaching him and will sorely miss coaching him, but I know that he will do great things in the future.”

Julian credits his mom for being his inspiration. When he was little, his mom was standing on a street corner waiting for a bus when she was hit by a drunk driver.

“My mom is the most amazing person to me,” Julian said. “After everything she has gone through with her accident, she still raised me to be the person I am today and she’s always cheery. I think of her as the person on my shoulder telling me the right thing to do.”

Hanson said she raised her son to respect other people and to be helpful.

“One thing I remind him is ‘To do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’” Hanson said. “He has a big heart and he has helped me ever since he was little. There have been times I have fallen out of my wheelchair or needed help and he was right there to help me.”

Knowing he was disappointed when he got his first B or when he didn’t do as well as he wanted in an athletic event, Hanson said she taught her son that as long as he gave his best that’s all he can expect of himself.

Hannan said he believes Julian has an inner drive that motivates him to be successful.

“I also know that he works very hard to make his mom proud. I guess the biggest compliment I can pay to Julian is that I hope my own children grow up to be just like him,” Hannan said.

Currently undecided on where he will attend college – he’s hoping to play football – Julian knows he wants to attend college close to home so he can be near his mom and he wants to major in business. He knows he wants to do something with sports. His dream job?

“I want to work for Nike and one day take over Phil Knight’s job,” he said.

Julian said he is thankful for the opportunity to participate on athletic teams because he has learned many important life lessons, including how to be a leader.

“A leader is someone who knows how to step down in some situations and let others shine in the moment. A leader doesn’t have to always be in the spotlight,” he said. “Sometimes as a leader, I lead by example. If kids see me picking up trash in the hallways, then they will do it, too. Or if they see me working hard on the football field, they will follow. Sometimes I will yell at my teammates to get them riled up.”

During a recent basketball practice, Toby Roth said he was missing his shots.

“Julian told me to keep my head up and that I would start making them,” Roth said. “Julian is the person who makes you smile, is positive all the time and will help anyone out.”

SHS basketball coach Darren Shryock said Julian’s “superman flights going after loose balls on the basketball court are legendary.”

“I really think he has intrinsic motivation. He wants to succeed and be the best he can be because it is the right thing to do,” Shryock said. “Not once have I had to ask Julian to work harder. He is a teacher’s and coach’s dream kid.”

Shryock said Julian is a wonderful person who is genuine and has a sincere empathy for other people.

“Any chance someone has to spend time with Julian, they should grab it,” Shryock said. “He is special and his goodness rubs off on those who are around him.”