COLUMBUS LOWNDES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES NEW LOWNDES YOUNG LEADERS

08/24/2023

COLUMBUS LOWNDES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Katie Fenstermacher kfenstermacher@clchamber.org (662) 328-4491

LYL kick-off the new year and the addition of Chick Fil-A Leadership Academy on Wednesday, August 23rd at Lake Tak O'Khata.

Columbus, Miss - On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the 2024 Class of Lowndes Young Leaders kicked off the year at Cochran Hall on The W campus followed by the annual retreat, held this year at Lake Tiak O'Khata on August 23, 2023.

We are proud to announce the addition of new benefactors, BankFirst and International Paper, for the LYL Program. These benefactors share the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce's vision of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive progress in Lowndes County.

"We are elated to welcome BankFirst and International Paper to our Lowndes Young Leaders Program family," remarked Chamber Director Cathryn Borer. "Their invaluable support will allow us to strengthen our efforts in nurturing the leadership potential of young individuals who are the future leaders of our community."

We are also thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with Chick-fil-A to bring the esteemed Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy to Lowndes Young Leaders. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in equipping young individuals with essential leadership skills while providing them with unique insights into leadership principles especially service leadership.

During the next 10 months, students will engage in a variety of leadership activities across the southeast. Through these well-rounded experiences, participants develop crucial life skills, self-confidence, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

We are proud to announce the LYL class of 2024:

Abby Barr – Heritage Academy

Lawson Brakin – Caledonia High School

Saniiyah Chandler – West Lowndes High School

Karson Dawkins – Caledonia High School

David Easterling – Columbus Christian Academy

Walker Ferguson – Caledonia High School

Skylar Flora – Caledonia High School

Sadie Hicks – Homeschool

Kameron Johnson – New Hope High School

Ryan Macasek – Caledonia High School

Neeci Mantooth – Heritage Academy

Sophie Milam – Heritage Academy

Aiden Poindexter – Columbus High School

Madison Rackard – New Hope High School

Brayden Shelton – Heritage Academy

Brayden Smith – West Lowndes High School

Kaeli Stallings – West Lowndes High School

Bradley Sumrall – Caledonia High School

Caris Whitten – Heritage Academy

Christopher Young – Columbus High School

About the program:

Lowndes Young Leaders is a ten-month youth leadership program that is sponsored by the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, The W, BankFirst, Chick-Fil-A and International Paper.  The program is open to high school sophomores and is designed to develop an energetic and diverse group of informed and qualified young leaders who will become our business and community leaders of tomorrow.