2018 Leadership University Class

Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders graduated Thursday, April 12 from Leadership University (LU), a community youth leadership development program of the Jackson Chamber. The 2018 class represents all the public, private and home-schooled juniors in 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. Sponsors of the program include Lane College, Union University, Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus.


“I’ve served as an active board member for LU since 2012 and am amazed by the dedication of its board members, sponsors, and supportive community members that volunteer their time for these students,” said 2017-2018 Leadership University Chairman Amy West. “Each year the class members seem to raise the bar with their performance and accomplishments. This class has represented the program and their schools well and have been committed not only to improving their own leadership skills but to serving the community. It has been an honor to serve as chairperson of this year’s board.”


During the program, class members completed 63 classroom hours and 12 hours of community service. LU 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 see their community from different viewpoints and focus on where they can make a positive difference.


Ashley Carter, University School of Jackson and Lane Moss, South Side High School, were selected by their class peers to serve as spokespersons and speak for them about the LU experience. Within the class, nine students had perfect attendance. Those students are Tad Binkley, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Madi Brown, Trinity Christian Academy; Simran Chahal, University School of Jackson; Catherine Monroe, Home School; Lane Moss, South Side High School; Michelle Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Blake Peftoulidis, Trinity Christian Academy; Kaya Phillips, South Side High School; and Ansley Wofford, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School.


The 2017-18 graduates are: Allie Bates, Jackson Christian School; Tad Binkley, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Chelsea Blackwell, South Side High School; Sukhmani Boparai, University School of Jackson; Madi Brown, Trinity Christian Academy; Hal Carter, Jackson Christian School; Ashley Carter, University School of Jackson; Simran Chahal, University School of Jackson; Emily Christensen, Jackson Christian School; Ethan Ferguson, North Side High School; Kiya Garmon, JCM – Early College High; Amber Golden, South Side High School; Sam Graves, Trinity Christian Academy; Joshua Grimes, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Alison Holley, Trinity Christian Academy; Tiara Hudson, South Side High School; Cameron Huelin, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Sejal Jinturkar, University School of Jackson; Justin Leal, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Catherine Monroe, Home School; Marian Morgan, JCM – Early College High; Lane Moss, South Side High School; Titus Newble, Trinity Christian Academy; Michelle Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Zadarius Norment, JCM – Early College High; Blake Peftoulidis, Trinity Christian Academy; Cinque Peggs, JCM – Early College High; Kerrington Peoples, Liberty Technology Magnet High School; Kaya Phillips, South Side High School; Tony Portis, Liberty Technology Magnet High School; Lawson Rudd, Jackson Christian School; Katherine Ryan, University School of Jackson; Noah Simpson, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Jack Smith, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Conner Stevens, University School of Jackson; Hannah Webster, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; Kaitlyn Wilson, Madison Academic High School; Ansley Wofford, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; and Kasey Wynn, Trinity Christian Academy.


For more information about the program, email the Jackson Chamber’s Manager of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman or call 731-423-2200.