Chamber Graduates 13th Youth Leadership Class

Twenty-six promising future leaders representing Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley High Schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School graduated from the 13th Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership class of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

During ceremonies held at Peerless Road Church, members of the Youth Leadership Class of 2014-15 recounted their nine-month program. Abbi Cooke (BCHS), Maddie Coulthard (CHS) and Sarah Beth Locke (WVHS) talked about the year’s emphasis on city, county and state government, community services, infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing, along with reflections about the value of relationship and team-building opportunities.

Also part of the graduation ceremonies was a challenge by Adam Reuss, director of student ministries for Broad Street United Methodist Church. Mr. Reuss encouraged the young leaders to “lead beyond your abilities.” 

Youth leader Olivia Lee (WVHS), a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program, performed a piano solo of “Beauty and the Beast” as part of the afternoon ceremonies. 

Sherry Crye, director of workforce development for the Chamber, coordinates the Youth Leadership program. “After each trip, the students filled out an anonymous evaluation of the day’s events and commented about their experience,” she said. “One of the most rewarding parts of leading this program is hearing their comments about what the students are taking away from the experience.” 

Here are a few of their comments.
“I loved learning about Cleveland—apparently we do live in a cool place. After today I am more proud of our city and heritage.”
“I learned many new things about the city that I’ve lived in my whole life.”
“It was great to see all the historic parts of Cleveland. It was so cool because I didn’t know any of this existed.”
“I loved seeing the way M&Ms were made and the way small businesses impact our economy.”
“The waste treatment plant was awesome because it used biology and chemistry in its operations.”
“I liked getting to see how our local police station works.”
“It was inspiring and it helped me to realize that anyone can give back to the community.”
“I enjoyed getting to see the non-profit organizations throughout Cleveland.” 
“It was so awesome to go outside of our community and see how our state government works.”
“I learned how to better interact with students from other schools and I respect each school and its students more.”
“I feel like I have a much better understanding of important aspects of adult life that many teens would not have been exposed to. I am honored to be part of this prestigious group and to have made these great connections and friends.”

the nine-month program, the students were also involved in two service projects, raising more than $2,100 for the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland construction fund and investing “sweat equity” on a Habitat house and in the ReStore. The students also donated nonperishable food items to The Caring Place. 

Ms. Crye described the class of 2014-15 as “a fine group of young men and women . . . who are the promising future leaders of our community, our state and our country. We expect to hear great things from you.”

Members of the 2014-15 Youth Leadership class from Bradley Central High School are Wendy Armenta, Abbi Cook, Sarah Jo Ellis, Lily Freeman, Brianna Jackson, Shelby Kersey, Riley Tarver and Evan Wooden.

Representing Cleveland High School in the 2014-15 class are Jada Blackwell, Reed Calfee, Maddie Coulthard, Sarah Crump, Chase Henderson, Mary Maddox, Forrest McFarland and Mariah Voytik.

Walker Valley High School students graduating from the 2014-15 Youth Leadership class are Amber Bell, Stephanie Bowman, Allyson Flock, Dalton King, Olivia Lee, Sarah Beth Locke, Kameron Mehling and Sara Wilson.

Tennessee Christian Preparatory School Youth Leadership graduates are Luke Benton and Andy Chase.

Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership is a workforce development initiative of the Chamber of Commerce.