When searching for a new Leo of the Year, Lions Club International looks for an individual who both displays dedication to Leo Club and the qualities of a role model.

This year, the organization chose Alex Lee, a Diamond Bar High School graduate of the class of 2015 and the immediate past president of Leo Club.

The prestigious award was given to Lee on Oct. 20 at a Diamond Bar City Council meeting.

Lee was one of 31 students from all around the world to receive this award this year.

Under Lee’s leadership, DBHS’ Leo Club was one of the only 18 clubs in the U.S. to receive the Leo Club Excellence Award for its work last year.

“I’d say what made me stand out from other contestants was the way I led the club. I led by example; I didn’t really tell people what to do, I showed them how to do it,” Lee said via email.

According to Lions International, the Leo of the Year should have a superior record in regards to implementing service projects, making observable contributions to the growth of the Leo Club Program, and demonstrating leadership, ethical standards and personal integrity.

In addition, he or she also needs to be distinguished in school activities outside of Leo Club.

Lee was the Leo director of local publicity his junior year and was promoted to club president his senior year.

Over his four years of participation in Leo Club, Lee earned over 300 hours of service and the Leo Gold Award, which is awarded to students internationally who have earned at least 100 hours each year of their service, twice.

As president, he was responsible for planning events and seeking out volunteering opportunities for students.

Of the events, Lee’s favorites were helping at the Heritage Park Haunted House, going to the library for reading parties, and making food for families in need in collaboration with the Ronald McDonald House.

He also enjoyed socials and the end of the year banquet because it strengthened their bond as a Leo Family.

As far as his success in leading the club, Lee believes that his board of student officers, Lions Club advisors Jack and Wanda Tanaka, and DBHS teacher Judy Karasawa played a big role.

However, Lee’s hard work did not end with his involvement in Leo Club. Over his four years at DBHS, Lee played on the varsity golf team, maintained a 3.9 GPA, took 11 AP classes, and actively participated in FBLA, Math Team, Make-A-Wish, Best Buddies, and Red Cross.

For Lee, being a part of Leo Club was not just about earning hours. Through his service, he was able to develop various aspects of his personality and gain important skills, the most significant of which is communication.

Because of the impact the organization has made on his life, Lee plans on continuing his service as a Lion, the group that sponsors Leo Club.

“I represented Leo Club and wanted to show others how Leo Club had really impacted my life and the way I view the world,” Lee said.

Lee speaks highly of volunteering as a high school student, believing that it was one of the best decisions he made throughout his four years.

“Whether you join Key Club, Interact, Red Cross, or Leo, we all work towards a same goal: to improve the community we live in, and to get closer with our city and its people.”