High School Students Graduate from Youth Leadership Program
Jackson, TN - Thirty-seven aspiring young leaders graduated Thursday evening from Leadership
University (LU), a community youth leadership development program. The 2019 class represents all the
public, private and home-schooled Juniors in the Jackson - Madison County high schools.
Leadership University is a nine-month program designed to identify a diverse group of high school
students who demonstrate leadership potential; and to develop in an interactive environment, the
framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement and responsible participation in the future of
this community. Leadership University is a program of the Jackson Chamber sponsored by Lane College,
Union University, Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus.
“The future of our community is dependent upon the education and leadership development of the young
men and women of Jackson/Madison County,” said Joseph Ross, 2018-19 Leadership University
Chairman. “We are lucky to have a program in Leadership University that not only strengthens the
leadership skills of these young people, but also promotes community awareness and encourages servant
leadership through volunteer service. This class has been outstanding, and I expect to see great things
from them as they continue to develop into the future leaders of our community. It has been an honor to
serve as chairperson of this year’s board. I am thankful to the Leadership University board members,
sponsors, and supportive parents. I couldn’t be prouder of these students, it has been a privilege to get to
witness their growth over the past ten months.”
During the program, class members completed 63 classroom hours and 12 hours of community service.
Leadership University students participated in a simulated city council meeting, community bus tour,
discussed ethical leadership with local leaders, participated in mock job interviews, tackled alcohol and
drug issues, visited the Criminal Justice Complex and participated in a mock court trial, among other
activities. The program helps the class members to see their community from different viewpoints and focus
on where they can make a positive difference.
Bryce Cagle, South Side High School and Anne Lovell, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School, were
selected by their class peers to serve as spokespersons and speak for them about the Leadership
University experience. Within the class, nine students had perfect attendance. Those students are Nate
Barnard, Home Life Academy; Jakiya Bond, North Side High School; Miller Boyd, Sacred Heart of Jesus
High School; Drake Earney, South Side High School; Haley Foster, South Side High School; Olivia
Haynes, Home Life Academy; Elisa Kapunan, University School of Jackson; Anne Lovell, Sacred Heart
of Jesus High School; Isabella Montecillo, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Felix Nnaji,
University School of Jackson; Chidera Nwokolo, University School of Jackson; Elizabeth Wardlow, Trinity
Christian Academy; Caleb Watlington, University School of Jackson.
The 2018-19 graduates are: Nate Barnard, Home Life Academy; Jakiya Bond, North Side High
School; Miller Boyd, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; Gabby Burton, Jackson Central Merry Early
College High School; Bryce Cagle, South Side High School; Kevin Cheng, University School of Jackson;
Markus Cosey, North Side High School; Aleeyah Davis, Jackson Central Merry Early College High
School; Drake Earney, South Side High School; Haley Foster, South Side High School; Hanna Futrell,
Trinity Christian Academy; Gerardo Ganzalez, Jr., Madison Academic Magnet High School; Anna
Gratham, Home Life Academy; Tori Green, Augustine School; Makayla Haith, Liberty Technology Magnet
High School; Emma Hannaford, Trinity Christian Academy; Oliva Haynes, Home Life Academy; Grace
Hudson, University School of Jackson; Elisa Kapunan, University School of Jackson; Anne Lovell,
Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; Sionya Lyles, Liberty Technology Magnet High School; Isabella
Montecillo, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Kendall Murphy, Jackson Christian School; Claire
Myers, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Felix Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Chidera
Nwokolo, University School of Jackson; Meredith Nye, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Abbey
Orwig, Augustine School; Brooklyn Phillips, Jackson Central Merry Early College High School; Molly
Pledger, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Diana Ramirez, North Side High School; Kaylee
Rivers, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Ella Stone, Trinity Christian Academy; Elizabeth
Wardlow, Trinity Christian Academy; Caleb Watlington, University School of Jackson; Mikayla Wilson,
Jackson Central Merry Early College High School; and Trevor Wilson, Jackson Christian School
For more information about the program, contact Brandy Stutsman, Manager of Leadership
Development with the Jackson Chamber at 731-423-2200 or by email at bstutsman@jacksontn.com .
