April 11, 2023 – Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders have completed the 2022-2023 Leadership University program, a community youth leadership development program of the Greater 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., Christian Brothers Automotive, FirstBank, Gerdau, Hiller – Plumbing – Heating – Cooling – Electrical, Leaders Credit Union and MG Construction.

“Participants bring different gifts, talents, and experiences to the program and all committed to taking the next steps to grow in leadership and life,” Heather Witherspoon, 2022-2023 Leadership University Chair. “The class of 2022-2023 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 has been an honor to serve as chairperson of the board this year. 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. Emiliano Gonzalez, Madison Academic High School, received the honor of the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirement in Leadership University.

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.

The 2022-2023 Leadership University class includes:
Ximena Acosta, Madison Academic High School
Luke Barnard, Faith Home School Tutorial
Becca Basham, Trinity Christian Academy
Callie Bates, Jackson Christian School
Ava Beller, University School of Jackson
Shelby Bond, Southside High School
William Brady, Augustine School
Sarah Brazzell, Liberty Technology Magnet High School
Jalen Brooks, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Zoe Calhoun, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Kendall Cardwell, Southside High School
Hayes Carney, University School of Jackson
Trent Carrier, Jackson Christian School
Gracie Chattin, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Morgan Chenault, Augustine School
Elizabeth Davenport, University School of Jackson
Brilee Davis, University School of Jackson
Jack Dearth, Trinity Christian Academy
Jacob Earney, Southside High School
Jessica Fincher, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Amelia Freeman, University School of Jackson
Emiliano Gonzalez, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Brandon Granillo, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Coda Greer, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Kailah Hamilton, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Kristin Hennig, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Mia Horner, Jackson Christian School
Jaida Ingram, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School
Katherine Larkins, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Londyn Lumas-Harmon, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School
Ali Kate McDonald, South Side High School
Olivia Murray, South Side High School
Julia Nichols, Madison Academic Magnet High School
J’Lynn Paige, South Side High School
Mariam Putt, Augustine School
Paulo Santisteban, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School
Katie Smith, Trinity Christian Academy
Claire Whybrew, University School of Jackson
Ashlyn Willis, Sacred of Heart Jesus High School