High School Students Graduate from Youth Leadership Program
High School Students Graduate from Youth Leadership Program
JACKSON, TN, April 12, 2022 – Forty aspiring young leaders have completed the 2021-2022 Leadership University (LU) program, a community youth leadership development program of the Jackson Chamber. The class represents all the public, private and home-schooled juniors in Jackson - Madison County high schools.
Leadership University is a ten-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. Major sponsors of the program include Union University and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus. Corporate sponsorship includes Adelsberger Marketing, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Central Distributors, Inc., FirstBank, Gerdau, Hiller – Plumbing – Heating – Cooling – Electrical, Leaders Credit Union and MG Construction.
“The dedication of our board members, the generosity of our sponsors and the commitment of individuals in the Jackson community serve to make this program one of the best of its kind,” says Lauren Saliba, Director of Leadership Development with the Jackson Chamber. “Each participant brings different gifts, talents, and experiences to the program and all are committed to taking the next step to grow in leadership and life. The class of 2021-2022 has represented their schools and the program well. They are leaving the program with an enhanced understanding of their ability as well as their responsibility for serving the Jackson community. It is the entire board that makes the program what it is and I am so appreciative of all that they do.”
During the celebration, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University graduate certificate of completion. Owen Stonecipher, University School of Jackson, received the honor of the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirement in Leadership University.
“Being my first class, this group is special to me,” said Lauren Saliba. “The more the class continues to develop their leadership skills, the more they will invest in the community. It will be exciting to see the impact that these students will have in our area community.”
During the program, class members completed 32 classroom hours and 12 hours of community service. LU students discussed ethical leadership with local leaders, participated in mock job interviews, tackled alcohol and drug issues, and other activities. The program helps the class members see their community from different viewpoints and focus on where they can make a positive difference.
The Leadership University graduates include:
Josie Aleman, South Side High School
Katie Alexander, Jackson Christian School
Zainab Baba, University School of Jackson
Ellyn Beebe, HomeLife Academy / Faith Home Tutorial
Sydney Buchanan, Jackson Christian School
Charley Cloud, University School of Jackson
Caroline Conder, University School of Jackson
Ava Cox, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School
Briley Craft, Trinity Christian Academy
Callum Donnell, JCM Early College High
Hayley Emison, South Side High School
Autumn Fuller, JCM Early College High / JSCC
Emma Gaskill, Jackson Christian School
Madison Griffin, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Zane Harrison, Augustine School
Elise Havercamp, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Joseph Herron, JCM Early College High
Megan Hicks, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Sanchita Jinturkar, University School of Jackson
Anderson Laffoon, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Jonathan Litscher, Augustine School
Reese Longley, Augustine School
Preslie Lovelace, Trinity Christian Academy
Isabela Nolasco, Liberty Technology High School
Braden Nye, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Ijeoma Oleru, University School of Jackson
Marcus Parsons, Home School
Ruthie Pettigrew, Augustine School
Nicholas Powell, South Side High School
Bella Putt, Augustine School
Will Ragon, University School of Jackson
Duice Rodriguez, North Side High School
John Carr Ryan, University School of Jackson
Owen Stonecipher, University School of Jackson
Howard Tinga, North Side High School
London Tubbs, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Pyper Warren, South Side High School
Kori Wilbourn, North Side High School
Claire Windham, Augustine School
Lydia Yeaglin, Trinity Christian Academy
For more information about the program, contact the Jackson Chamber’s Director of Leadership Development, Lauren Saliba at 731-423-2200 or by email at lsaliba@jacksontn.com.
About the Jackson Chamber:
The Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,300 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region.
