Youth Leadership Class of 2018-19 graduates
Twenty-three "promising future leaders" representing Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley high schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School graduated from the 17th Youth Leadership class of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
During ceremonies held at Peerless Road Church, members of the Youth Leadership Class of 2018-19 recounted their nine-month program. Morgan Warner (BCHS), Jack Duncan (CHS), Hannah Hawkins (WVHS) and Mason Taylor (TCPS) 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, team-building opportunities and how the program impacted them.
Also part of the graduation ceremonies was an inspirational challenge by David Hicks, partner with Hudson Cook LLP. Mr.
Hicks encouraged the young leaders to ponder and reflect on “What Breaks Your Heart?”
During the nine-month program, the students were also involved in service projects, raising more than $1,400 for the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland construction fund and investing “sweat equity” by installing vinyl siding for a Habitat home and working in the ReStore. The students also donated nonperishable food items to the Caring Place.
Sherry Crye, director of workforce development for the Chamber, coordinates the Youth Leadership program. Ms. Crye describes the class of 2018-19 as “an outstanding group of young men and women that I am confident will be successful in the future and are the promising future leaders of our community, our state and our country.” Ms. Crye also added, “You aren’t born a leader, you must become one.”
Members of the 2018-19 Youth Leadership class from Bradley Central High School are Gabrielle Bennett, Brynna Frakes, Hannah Lombard, Courtney Roberts, Shelby Satterfield, Kierstyn Viola, Anna Walker, Jackson Walker and Morgan Warner.
Representing Cleveland High School in the 2018-19 class are Kathleen Alcock, Noah Allen-Darden, Jaelyn Blackwell, Asa Blake, Emma Brannen, Jimmy Collins, T. J. DeLuca and Jack Duncan.
Walker Valley High School students graduating from the 2018-19 Youth Leadership class are Mikayla Beasley, Hannah Hawkins, John Klepzig, Karmen Sanders and Lucy Trew.
Tennessee Christian Preparatory School 2018-19 Youth Leadership graduate is Mason Taylor.
Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership is a workforce development initiative of the Chamber of Commerce.