Chase Olivia Bowdre: Navigating Leadership, Scholarship, and Dance with Poise and Passion
You are a member of the Newton Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc., and have served as a parliamentarian and a secretary there. You are also going to be a secretary for the National Honors Society in this upcoming year. What are some skills you’ve learned in your role as the secretary and how will you apply those to your upcoming job as a secretary for the National Honors Society this year?
As secretary, I learned a lot of listening skills that helped me to be able to take thorough notes by listening to my fellow chapter members. In turn, we were able to have everyone’s input heard and used to have great meetings and events. I hope to use those same skills in the National Honors Society so that our community service activities go as smoothly as possible.
2. Congratulations on being crowned the 2024 Miss Precious Pearl through the Boston Pearl Foundation Inc. Tell us more about this experience and your recognition as Miss Congeniality. How did you raise money for this Foundation and what inspired you to assist young Black women with financial challenges as they start their journey into college?
Thank you! Being a debutant was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It allowed me to meet girls who are like me from all over the state and showed me strong female leadership from the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I was able to be my most authentic self around everyone and I can truly say that I now call my fellow debs my “sisters.” Not only did I make these lifelong friends, but my peers voted me as Miss Congeniality, which was a tremendous honor, considering that all who participated were the sweetest people you could ever meet. To raise the scholarship money, I used crowdfunding. I have an amazing village of people around me that love and support the causes that I am passionate about and I’m so grateful that they were able to help me accomplish my goals.
3. What style of dance do you do? Many people dance to relieve stress, express themselves etc. Why do you dance?
I have been taking dance classes since I was three years old. Beginning with ballet and tap, then adding in jazz and even pointe, I have been using dance as my outlet. Whether I am stressed out from school or work, dance gives me a chance to let loose and move freely. I dance to give myself a creative way to express my emotions. It also can help me learn about discipline and focus, which is useful in all other aspects of my life.
4. What is your next big dream?
My dream right now is to go to a four year college and to get my degree. Since I am a rising senior in high school, college is right around the corner and I am very excited for that next stage of my life. Hopefully, I will be able to find a fulfilling career where I am able to help my community and make a difference in people’s lives.