iLead Youth Leadership Class graduates
Aug. 12—THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce announced the 2022-2023 iLEAD youth leadership graduating class last week. The summer program gives high school students a unique opportunity to develop solutions for their community.
Imagine Thomasville, along with sponsor TC Federal, congratulates the following students on their acceptance to the program:
John-Michael Allan (Classical Conversations), Naima Battle (THS Scholars), Landon Beaty, Autumn Bracewell (TCCHS), Serenity Cliett (THS Scholars), Sophie Davis, Desmond Diggs, Kaitlyn Diggs, Au'Meyiah Everett, Ma'Kyah Gilley, Brice Hopper (TCCHS), Emily Johnson (THS Scholars), De'Aljah Mills (THS Scholars), Jeremy Patz (Brookwood), Luke Pierce (TCCHS), Emma Poole (THS Scholars), Laramie Stokes (THS Scholars), Colin Szwarc (THS Scholars).
"Every year is a little different based on community needs. But this year's participants really impressed us with their ability to ask the right questions to discover community assets and present that information in a concise way," said Katie Chastain, program facilitator.
Each student worked alongside neighbors and community partners to develop an asset map and housing survey of a designated neighborhood. Students then presented their neighborhood findings to the Rotary Club and community leaders. They concluded the week with a food tour with Taste of Thomasville.
"The iLEAD program taught us all the importance of problem solving and leadership as well as providing an understanding of the city infrastructure and the impact our generation has in creating a better city," said Landon Beaty, a rising junior at THS Scholars Academy.
To understand our community's assets and challenges, students met with community members, along with representatives of organizations such as the City of Thomasville City Council and Planning Department, Dewey City Neighborhood Watch, Douglass High School Alumni Association, Jack Hadley Black History Museum, Landmarks, the Rotary Club of Thomasville, and TC Federal Bank
In addition to the project, Marcy Sizemore, owner and founder Olive Orchard Labs, and Chansidy Daniels, Director of Talent Management at Flowers Foods, led personal leadership development modules for the students.
The program is made possible through TC Federal Bank, who is committed to building a pipeline of community leaders. Their generous sponsorship allows 10 full scholarships to the iLead program.
"TC Federal Bank is proud to partner with the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce and Tisk Task again this year as the Program Sponsor for iLead, "said Jami Porter, SVP TC Federal Bank.
"This program is transforming youth in our community by building leaders and connecting them with businesses and community organizations for a better tomorrow. Congratulations to the outstanding 2022 iLead participants!"
For more information on the program or how to get involved, visit imaginethomasville.com/ilead or call 229-226-9600.
