Frankfort teen likes role of leading man

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Lincoln-Way North student Marquis Robertson, 17, of Frankfort. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media

Updated: March 14, 2012 8:00AM

Marquis Robertson is a leader who does more than lead. He aspires to help others succeed as he has, by setting an example for them.

It shouldn’t be surprising that Robertson, 17, a junior at Lincoln-Way North High School, is involved in a number of school activities. They include cross country, swimming, water polo, student council, Junior Classical League, National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and varsity club. He also serves on the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Advisory Board Committee and tutors in the school’s writing center.

The varsity club is a favorite of his. As part of his involvement, he attended a J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation workshop in Colorado. The foundation strives to teach young people leadership skills so they can reach out to other teens and their peers with help that might make a life-saving difference in the future.

“We had to be nominated by a coach or faculty member and write a resume, among other things,” Robertson said, explaining how he earned the honor to go on the weeklong trip. “I learned that the key to being a leader is communication and how you present yourself. Also, you have to be willing to listen and not always give orders.”

Robertson now meets every Wednesday with juniors who did not attend the workshop, and he teaches them a new leadership skill. He also visits freshmen study halls and talks about how to avoid falling victim to peer pressure, drinking and drugs.

“I like being recognized and looked up to, but I also know that it is good to present an image that others admire. I like the challenge of being a good role model,” said Robertson, the son of Ray and Leneshia Robertson, of Frankfort.

Robertson’s own role models include his father and grandfather.

“My dad always tries to make me be a better person than he is,” Robertson said. “I like that he motivates me, and I want to be that type of father to my children.”

Robertson’s grandfather, Robert Robertson, of Matteson, has helped him learn about more hands-on things.

“He taught me the ways of being a man, like building things, helping around the home and taking care of my home when I need to do it,” he said. “I don’t need to hire someone. I can do it on my own.”

Robertson plans to attend college.

“I know I want to be a lawyer and go into the business realm of life,” he said.

Robertson said it’s his mother who keeps him focused.

“Academics are important to her,” he said. “If I want to go somewhere in life, I need to be successful here. I know if I want to reach my goals, I need to stay focused in school.

“She continues to talk to me about college and tries to get me involved with my counselor to get focused and take the college exam prep classes. She’s been helpful with scholarships, too. She knows more about all that stuff than I do.”