Thirty-nine aspiring young leaders have completed the 2025-2026 Leadership University program, a community youth leadership development program of the Greater Jackson Chamber. The class represents all public, private and home-schooled juniors in Jackson – Madison County high schools.
Leadership University is a ten-month program designed to identify a diverse group of high school students who demonstrate leadership potential; and to develop in an interactive environment, the framework for constructive leadership, committed involvement and responsible participation in the future of this community. The major sponsors of the program this year are Union University and Jackson State Community College. Leadership Sponsors include Allen Samuels, Jackson Energy Authority, Leaders Credit Union, MG Construction Company, and The University of Memphis -Lambuth.
The program also had numerous supporting sponsors whose contribution is invaluable.
“Working with this Leadership University class has been such a rewarding experience,” said Ryan Blake, vice-chair of Leadership University. “We’ve had the opportunity to watch these students learn, grow, and build the skills they need to become strong future leaders in our community.
“It has been inspiring to see them encourage one another, share different perspectives, and step up in meaningfulways throughout the year. Congratulations to the Leadership University Class of 2026!
“This is only the beginning.”
During the celebration, class members were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University graduate certificate of completion. Ben Cates, Jackson Christian School, received the honor of the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for surpassing all requirements in Leadership University.
Throughout the program, class members completed 64 classroom hours, 989 hours of community service, and a group project. Leadership University students discussed ethical leadership with local leaders, participated in mock job interviews, tackled alcohol and drug issues, and other activities.
The program helps the class members see their community from different viewpoints and focus on where they can make a positive difference.
The 2025-2026 Leadership University class includes
Aubry Adams, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Lola Agbetoyin, University School of Jackson
Karmen Ayala, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Ki’Mora Carroll, JCM-Early College High School
Ben Cates, Jackson Christian School
Hunt Clark, Jackson Christian School
Zandria Cohill, South Side High School
Tucker Davenport, Augustine School
Xavier Davis, South Side High School
Bailee Farmer, University School of Jackson
Mary Blake Ferguson, University School of Jackson
Eli Freeman, University School of Jackson
Mattie Garrison, Jackson Christian School
Lola Greenway, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Cadye Hayes, South Side High School
Lake Helton, Trinity Christian Academy
Zakeria Holmes, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Kaylin Hudson, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Kimora Hurt, JCM-Early College High School
Addy Kirkland, University School of Jackson
Emma Long, Jackson Christian School
Nora Manley, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Aarna Mehta, University School of Jackson
Trice Mullens, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Mason Murchison, South Side High School
Josh O’Neal, University School of Jackson
Parks Patrick, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Katie Peachey, JCM-Early College High School
Claire Pratt, Homelife Academy
Isabella Reid, Jackson Christian School
Willow Ross, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Grant Schiebout, Augustine School
Brianna Smith, Trinity Christian Academy
Hope Steverson, JCM-Early College High School
Graham Straka, Augustine School
Lilly Teague, University School of Jackson
Jesse Via, University School of Jackson
Carter Washington, JCM-Early College High
Abbey Wilson, Madison Academic Magnet High School
