Congressman Rick Allen visits ColCo for 2024 Youth Leadership Summit
MARTINEZ, Ga. (WJBF) – Congressman Rick Allen made a stop in Columbia County Monday afternoon to speak to students and teachers at the 2024 Youth Leadership Summit.
The leadership event is held every two years, but Allen says it’s never a bad time to reach the next generation.
“I’ll tell you–it’s always amazing to me to see the talent in that room,” said Allen.
The event brings together some of Columbia County’s best students, and gives them a chance to hear from a variety of leaders in the community.
“We’ve had leaders of our military here today, leaders of volunteer organizations, leaders of healthcare.”
Speakers included Dr. Sreevalli Dega–who owns Statesboro Urgent Care–Gap Ministries CEO Nomi Stanton, and Fort Eisenhower Garrison Commander Col. Reggie Evans.
But the congressman says students also got to hear from business leaders.
Garrett and Megan Clark also spoke to students at the event.
The Clark’s are both Georgia Southern University graduates, and have been recognized with more than 30 awards.
Some of which include Small Business of the Year by the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, Best Place to Work, and the Best Ice Cream in Georgia.
Allen says the disconnect between business leaders and education leaders is something he wants events like this to address.
“You know the business community says we need a workforce, and educators say we need to motivate these folks. Well, the best way to motivate them is to get those folks in front of those people, or out at those businesses, and all of a sudden it sparks a passion,” said Allen.
Allen says it’s that passion for leadership he wants the students to have so they can be the next leaders for Georgia’s 12th district.
“I know I had great mentors when I was coming along and started our little business. I just appreciate those people, and we’re giving them that same opportunity,” said Allen.
The congressman says the biggest goal for the event is to equip and inspire the next generation of leaders, giving them an opportunity to grasp their leadership skills as they prepare for the future.
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