High School Students Graduate from Youth Leadership Program

April 16, 2020

2019-2020 Leadership University Class


Thirty-eight aspiring young leaders have completed the 2019-2020 Leadership University (LU) program, a community youth leadership development program of the Jackson Chamber. The 2019-2020 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. Major sponsors of the program include Lane College, Union University and the University of Memphis – Lambuth Campus. Corporate sponsorship includes Adelsberger Marketing, Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC, Leaders Credit Union and West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.


“I began serving with the Leadership University Board in 2015 and have experienced first-hand how the dedication of our board members, the generosity of our sponsors and the commitment of individuals in the Jackson community serve to make this program one of the best of its kind,” says Lisa Warmath, 2019-2020 Leadership University Chair. “Participants bring different gifts, talents, and experiences to the program and all committed to taking the next steps to grow in leadership and life. The class of 2019-2020 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.”


“It has been a pleasure to witness the class embrace ‘servant leadership’ since the program began in July 2019,” said Brandy Stutsman, director of leadership development, Jackson Chamber. “The more they learn and develop their leadership skills, the more they will invest in the community. It will be exciting to see the impact that these students will have in our area.”


During the program, class members completed 63 classroom hours and 12 hours of community service. LU students participated in the 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.


The 2019-2020 graduates are: Bethanie Adams, North Side High School; Izzy Arthurs, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Moses Bausch, Home School; Garrett Blankenship, Jackson Christian School; Amar Boparai, University School of Jackson; Meg Borgognoni, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Sarah Beth Brauss, University School of Jackson; Amber Calhoun; Madison Academic Magnet High School; Avery Chenault, Home School; Sydney Christensen, Jackson Christian School; India Curry, JCM – Early College High; Patrick Davis, Jr. JCM – Early College High; Jace Deaton, South Side High School; Emily Gill, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School; Taylor Harris, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Tripp Hearn, Jackson Christian School; Rachel Hellums, University School of Jackson; Tristan Kluck, Augustine School; Lauren Laffoon, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Madison May, JCM – Early College High; Ellie McCauley, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Dani Beth Moffett, Trinity Christian Academy; Lisa Nnaji, University School of Jackson; Katie Patton, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Calvin Pettigrew, Augustine School; Jackson Prince, University School of Jackson; Sarah Sanders, Trinity Christian Academy; Sydney Sellers, University School of Jackson; Kaylee Snider, Trinity Christian Academy; Emily Steen, Madison Academic Magnet High School; William Steen, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Savannah Tabor, University School of Jackson; Mohid Tanveer, University School of Jackson; Halle Webb, South Side High School; Burch Weems, Jackson Christian School; Serenity Williams, Madison Academic Magnet High School; Sarah Wilson, Madison Academic Magnet High School and Emily Wood, South Side High School.


For more information about the program, contact the Jackson Chamber’s Director of Leadership Development, Brandy Stutsman at 731-423-2200 or by email.