JACKSON, Tenn. (April 27, 2026) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 501c (3) organization, hosted their seventh Annual Meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, and awarded $28,500 for collegiate scholarships, $25,000 for United Way of West Tennessee, and $5,520 for Imagination Library chapters in West Tennessee.

“We’re proud to recognize 20 graduating high school seniors and our community partners across West Tennessee as we work to empower lives through education,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “Each year, our goal is to make lives better, together, and that impact is possible because of local donors, partners, and volunteers.

“Whether it’s a teacher inspiring a classroom or a student pursuing a dream career, we’re honored to help them thrive.

“Due to community partners and the kindness of generous donors, the Foundation was able to give away $28,500 in collegiate scholarships. These scholarships are for graduating high school seniors who will be attending college or university. The top scholarships included video submissions to give their advice on “How to Be Financially Fit.”

Scholarship winners include:

 Bo Dodds – Dyer County High School

 Boyan Xu – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Caylee Knott – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Chase Taylor – Bartlett High School

 Devin Wagner – University School of Jackson

 Ella Stephenson – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Ethan Williams – Augustine School

 Halle Holyfield – Crockett County High School

 Isaiah Coleman – JCM Early College High

 Je'Delle Ross – JCM Early College High

 Jocelyn Romines – Abeka Academy

 Kamari Stokes – North Side High School

 Kellyn Smith – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Kennedy Hill – Dyer County High School

 Liam Moore – Houston High School

 Matthew Exline – South Gibson County High School

 Nathan Finch – Union City High School

 Ryan DeSpain – Dyer County High School

 Samuel Latham – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Santiago Aguirre – Madison Academic Magnet High School

 Trinity Jones – Milan High School

Donations of over $5,520 were given to three area chapters of the Imagination Library. The three chapters included Madison, Gibson, and Crockett Counties.

(PHOTO: The Madison County Chapter of the Imagination Library received $1,020 for program support)

Along with presenting the scholarships to the students, the Annual Meeting also featured the approval of the 2025 Annual Meeting Minutes, the Board Chairman’s Report, the President’s Report, the Nominating Committee Report, and closing remarks.

A new board member, Judy Renshaw, of Jackson, TN, was nominated and approved.

Leaders Education Foundation is comprised of volunteer staff and the Board of Directors who oversee the organizational and operational needs of the Foundation. The current Board of Directors consists of: Ron Hill, Eddie Hays, Yvette Blue, Judy Renshaw, Stephanie Riley, Greg Hammond, Stan Sanders, Linda Rizzuto, and Britney Ward.

To become a member or view the 2025 Annual Report, visit leadersgives.org.

About Leaders Education Foundation

Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Jackson, Tenn., and established in 2019. The Foundation allows community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to unite to make lives better together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources that provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities.

For more information about Leaders Education Foundation or to become a member and Give Forward, please visit their website, leadersgives.org.

(PHOTO: 20 graduating seniors received collegiate scholarships from Leaders Education Foundation)