A Story of Strength, Struggle, and True Leadership
© 2025 Mount Wachusett Community College
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Developed and created by Stephanie England
Illustrations by Roka Studio and Michelle Carpenter, Graphic Designer, MWCC
Printed in the USA
To the young dreamers finding their strength—may you always believe in your power to lead with kindness and courage.
And to the student-parents of MWCC, whose determination, resilience, and quiet leadership light the way for the next generation—you are the truest example of strength in action.
Monty was born in the highest peaks of Mount Wachusett, where the air was crisp and the land was wild.
Monty learned as a cub how to leap over rocks, climb steep cliffs, and find food, surviving alone.
Monty was fast, strong, and fearless. Everyone said so. But Monty didn’t stay close to the other animals. What was the point?
“I don’t need help,” Monty told the wind. “I can handle anything.”
Seasons passed. Monty became known as the silent watcher of the mountain— always alone, always in control.
But when the first snow of winter fell early and heavy, something changed. The wind howled louder. The food disappeared faster.
And for the first time, Monty felt... unsure.
Monty tried to leap between snowy cliffs, but the snow was deeper than ever. Monty’s paws slipped. Food was difficult to find in the snow. The cave was cold and lonely.
Monty growled. “I’m strong enough. I don’t need anyone.” But deep inside, a different voice whispered, “Do you?”
One cold morning, something made Monty stop with surprise and concern.
A small bird had frozen wings. A raccoon was shivering under a bush. A bear cub cried for its family. Monty couldn’t turn away.
After padding through the snow, Monty began to help—quietly at first. Carrying food. Digging tunnels. Guarding the young.
The
animals began to notice.
“You’re helping us?” a rabbit asked. Monty nodded, unsure of what to say.
More animals came to Monty for help, and Monty tried to help. But things got harder.
One night, a strong wind knocked down a tree, blocking a path. “We’re trapped!” a chipmunk cried.
The mighty Monty pushed hard, muscles flexed, paws digging in. But the tree didn’t move. “I can’t do it,” Monty growled.
The animals didn’t run away. Instead, a beaver stepped forward.
“Let me try,” and used strong teeth to chew the thick branches. The squirrels helped too, carrying pieces away one by one. Soon, the path was clear.
Monty stared. “I couldn’t have done that alone.”
“You don’t have to,” said the beaver, smiling.
From then on, things changed.
When a snowstorm came, the sharp ears of the fox heard danger before it arrived. When someone got lost, the owl flew high to spot the way home. When the group needed to cross a frozen lake, the moose tested the ice, steady and sure.
Monty watched them all, amazed. They have strengths I don’t have, Monty realized.
That doesn’t make me weaker. It makes us stronger—together.
The animals began to rely on Monty not just for strength, but for guidance.
“You see what we need before we do,” said the deer.
“You make us feel safe,” said the chipmunk.
“And you helped us believe in ourselves,” said the bear cub.
Monty felt something new
inside.
Not just pride—purpose.
When spring arrived, the mountain bloomed with color, and the animals gathered to celebrate.
Monty stood at the center, no longer alone. No longer afraid to ask for help. “Being strong isn’t about doing everything by yourself,”
Monty said. “It’s about knowing when to lead, and when to listen.”
The animals cheered, their voices echoing through the trees!
Now, Monty lives as a protector, teacher, and friend of the mountain. Monty also lives in the hearts of students at MWCC, reminding them that true leaders:
Ask for help when they need it
Learn from others
Use their strengths to lift others higher
Because being a leader isn’t about standing at the top of the mountain alone. It’s about helping everyone climb.
