Members of the HHS Youth Leadership Class are Sam Banks, McKenna Barken, Cornisha Barnes, Jordan Bell, Jordan Cone, Yatzi Cruz, Riley Ferrell, Leslie Fox, Ahmadia Hines, Ja’Darius Hines, Colbie Killen, Bond Lonon, Sidney Martin, Everette Pettigrew, Jackson Pettigrew, Lillie Pittman, Isaiah Polk, DeCourtney Reed, Alex Sceals, Robert Shaw, Cortavious Shephard, Hunter Smothers, Jaylon Taylor, Kirsten Watson, Shanya Whitelaw, and Bendy Zhao. HHS teacher Emily Carpenter is sponsor for the group.

During the year, the students have attended an Orientation at the College Hill Museum and a Team Building at UT Martin; learned about the local law enforcement, fire department, and criminal court; performed community service at the Carl Perkins Center and Exchange Club; took an etiquette class; and learned about local economics and government. In February and March they will be touring the West Tennessee Penitentiary and travel to Nashville to visit the State Capital. In April, they will enjoy a local tour and take part in a Graduation/Promotion ceremony.

The members are nominated by the HHS faculty and staff and then go through an application process. Members now are selected as juniors and serve in the two-year program. Their senior year, they serve as a junior ambassador on a board in the community, such as City Board, School Board, County Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and Carl Perkins Center.

Youth Leadership Overview

One of the greatest challenges in our society today is the cultivation of effective and intelligent leadership for tomorrow. The development of an informed network of individuals ready to take responsibility should be a top priority. The mission of Haywood Youth Leadership is to lay the groundwork for future leadership by identifying and nurturing such young leaders.

Youth Leadership provides students with a chance to increase their awareness of the major issues facing Brownsville and Haywood County. Equally valuable is the opportunity to become acquainted with people from all areas of community life, to listen to their opinions, and to share a concern for Haywood County.

The program’s full impact may not be effectively measured for many years, until alumni reach full potential in their respective fields.