April 10, 2024 – Thirty-eight aspiring young leaders have completed the 2023-2024 Leadership University program, a community youth leadership development program of the Greater Jackson Chamber. The class represents 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.

“Participants bring different gifts, talents, and experiences to the program and all are committed to taking the next steps to grow in leadership and life. The class of 2023-2024 has represented their schools, families, and the program well,” says Alan Brown, 2023-2024 Leadership University Chair. “They are graduating with an enhanced understanding of their own ability as well as the responsibility for serving the Jackson community. It has been a privilege to serve as chairperson of the board this year. It is the entire Leadership University board that makes the program what it is and I am so appreciative of each of them.”

Throughout the program, class members completed 64 classroom hours, 12 hours of community service, and a group project. Leadership University 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.

During the celebration, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University graduate certificate of completion. Andrew Doan, Home Life Academy, received the honor of the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirements in Leadership University.

The major sponsor of the program this year is Union University. Corporate sponsorship includes Adelsberger Marketing, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Central Distributors, Inc., Christian Brothers Automotive, FirstBank, Gerdau, Hiller Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical, Jackson Energy Authority, Leaders Credit Union, and MG Construction.

The 2023-2024 Leadership University class includes:
Boran Aljafari, Madison Academic High School
Analiese Anderson, Jackson Christian School
Brooklen Bonds, Northside High School
Riley Bradford, Jackson Christian School
Cassie Britton, Southside High School
Eryn Coure, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Zach Creasy, Jackson Christian School
Della Day, Madison Academic High School
Andrew Doan, Home Life Academy
Ellen Driver, University School of Jackson
Kaitlyn Ellis, Madison Academic High School
Oaklee Evans, Faith Homeschool Tutorial
Jaiden Grandberry, Southside High School
Alexi Harrison, Augustine School
Jordan Hart, Madison Academic High School
Lawson Helton, Trinity Christian Academy
Kelsey Hicks, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Ava Jerman, Home School
Tess Little, Jackson Christian School
Blakely Melton, Jackson Christian School
Zoe Montgomery, Jackson Christian School
Annily Nguyen, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Addyson Parks, Trinity Christian Academy
Luke Parsons, Home School
Tien Phan, Madison Academic High School
Vaidehi Prasad, University School of Jackson
Hendrik Proctor, Home School
Jane Claire Ragon, University School of Jackson
Clara Revelle, Home School
Henry Schiebout, Augustine School
Sarah Simmons, Trinity Christian Academy
Morgan Smith, Jackson Christian School
Emma Smith, Trinity Christian Academy
Emily Stone, Trinity Christian Academy
Paige Temple, Madison Academic High School
Lincoln Triplett, South Side High School
Dallas Weddle, South Side High School
Olivia Welch, University School of Jackson