Alumni Spotlight

Elliot Demo

Demo attended the seminar in 2019 as a representative from Waterville Senior High School and returned to MYL as a Junior Counselor in 2022 and as MC in 2023. He is currently studying Justice Studies at the University of Maine Augusta with an anticipated graduation in May 2024.

He took the time to answer some questions about his Maine Youth Leadership experience and how it has impacted his life. Keep reading to learn more about this outstanding alum.

Tell us about your life after MYL!

I graduated high school and 2021. I then went on to the University of Maine Augusta to study Justice Studies. I’m slated to graduate from UMA in May of 2024 with a B.S. in Justice Studies with a Pre-Law concentration and a Paralegal Certificate. I plan to attend law school in the Fall of 2024.

How do you show the MYL pillars of leadership, volunteerism, and/or character in your daily life?

I have returned to MYL as a member of the Youth Advisory Board, PR committee, Fundraising committee, and have aided in recruitment and seminar planning as well. I get to embody the MYL pillars all year round through MYL committees and meetings.

How would you say MYL impacted your trajectory in life? (the decisions you made, the things you did, etc.)

MYL made me a more open-minded person and has taught me to respect people for who they are despite our differences. MYL has made me open to different view points and made me a better active listener, teaching me to listen to listen and not listen to react.

What is your fondest memory from your MYL experience?

My favorite MYL memory was in 2023 when I got to spend seminar being both a JC and MC. Being an MC allowed me to connect with ambassadors with each group; while being a JC allowed me to continue to work with and help my group see their full potential.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I want to leave behind the legacy that you can be yourself no matter what others think of you. I also want my legacy to teach others that we are stronger working together than we are alone. I want to leave this world a more united one.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Someone might be surprised to learn that I spent 6 years in my schools choir department, and that I also know how to play trombone.

Any fun hobbies?

I enjoy creative writing and attending local theatre and concerts in my free time.

Tell us a bit more about something that is important to you.

Outside of my deep passion for MYL, I really enjoy supporting local youth in my community in finding their post-secondary path. I currently work for a non-profit after school program that allows me to use my skills to help teens explore their options after high school and learn health coping mechanisms for the stresses of everyday life.

If you are a Maine Youth Leadership alum and you’d like to share your story, please follow the below link:

https://forms.gle/Y5H6BA8kD824STvBA

Thank you for reading!

[Published online: 4/1/2024]