Joe Poole is a leader in his life both in and outside of the classroom. photo by Vikki Wong
In his four years at Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Poole has accomplished so much more than anyone could have predicted.
In 2022, the community of Thomas Jefferson high school gained a student that would grow up to be one of the most influential leaders of the school. Joseph Poole, or “Joe” to his friends, is the president of the National Honor Society and president of the Tri M music honor society, a varsity volleyball player, and first chair flute player for the concert band. But that’s not all. He also participates in marching band, jazz band, choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and theater. It is clear that his resume is very extensive, and yet Poole still has more to offer the world.
Poole started getting serious about music in sixth grade. Before then, he described his musical inclinations as more of a pastime, but, around the beginning of middle school he realized that following this path could lead somewhere great. That’s when he developed the “want to do more” as he described it. Fast forward to now, he plays the flute, saxophone, piccolo, and clarinet. This interest in music has opened many doors for Poole during his high school years. He participates in multiple orchestras and groups both in and outside of TJ. These include the Lamont School of Music Summer Academy for aspiring musicians at Denver University, the CSU honor band which requires an audition and only has 20 spots available for their many applicants, and conducting a piece of his choosing for the next TJ band concert on December 9th. Poole is also one of the 9% of auditioners to make it into All-state choir and All-state band.
These orchestras have allowed Poole to have many great opportunities. “I’ve definitely made a lot of new friends and I’ve definitely opened myself up to a lot more experiences,” he explained. Working together with such a large group of people is an exercise in leadership, patience, and teamwork. Everyone plays their part, everyone puts in the work, and everyone has earned their place. Poole certainly has earned his place, and each new addition to his resume brings more knowledge and learning.
With so many activities and clubs, it’s a wonder that Poole has time for anything else; however, that simply isn’t the case. People around him joke that Poole simply has more hours in the day, but Poole himself maintains that it is all about organization. “As stupid as it sounds, I like to keep a calendar. My google planner is my best friend sometimes…it keeps me from going insane.” He allows himself time every day to see and hang out with people, while also staying on top of his school work. He reveals that completing homework during the school day is crucial to having time for his other activities. Club events and hangouts are scheduled in advance so that just in case something does come up, Poole will be prepared. It can be hard to maintain balance when trying to juggle so many things at once, but with a little bit of preparation, he shows that it can definitely be done.
When asked what inspired him to take on leadership positions such as NHS and TriM with such impressive enthusiasm, he said that it was mostly about wanting to make a difference. He remarked that, “Making a difference is just part of who I am,” both socially and academically. Poole organizes events such as the TJ Blood Drive and gives flute lessons to other students. Helping people is like second nature to him, and he bears the responsibility well. He says, “It’s very incredible to see that growth and that difference made especially when it helps other people.” Everyone deserves to have someone who cares enough to help, and Poole is that person for many people in the Spartan community.
This year, he also decided to take up singing once more. In addition to playing multiple instruments, Poole is also a talented vocalist. What started in third or fourth grade continues today in vocal music teacher Tambyr Reed’s Monticello choir class. “Singing is as much a part of me as flute is. I’ve been singing longer than I’ve been playing the flute.”
For four years now, Poole has made TJ a better place, and despite preparing to continue his music and leadership career in college, he is still not through. He will be the first student in TJ history to have his own senior recital in the spring. This event will include both singing and musical performances featuring special guests that will showcase his growth and skill. Following graduation, Poole hopes to either pursue a double major or a minor in music. “It’s very easy to get overwhelmed academically and I feel like music is a sort of release for me. It’s a way to express myself, it’s a way to really just let go and feel freer.”
His leadership and teamwork skills have set Poole apart from most young adults and have opened many doors to success. He wears responsibility like a crown and his hard earned progress like a coat of arms. Poole has proven himself to be a student worth looking up to, and following his graduation, the legacy of change he has created at TJ will continue to live on. Although his accomplishments weren’t always easy, patience, balance, and perseverance have made the student who he is today: an artist, a leader, and a role model to all.
