Youth Leadership Class busy learning about county
The 2014 Leadership Class led by Brandy Arnold stands on the Media Center steps at JCHS, after taking part in Chamber Day. In front are Chamber of Commerce staf members Don Cason, President and CEO; Garrett Wagley, Director of Economic Development; Adele Sensing, Director of Tourism; Kaci Anderson, Director of Community Development and Membership. The class conducted a panel interview of the Chamber staf to understand their purpose and role in the community.
Twenty-five juniors make up this year’s Jefferson County Youth Leadership Class.
The class – a joint venture of the school system and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce meets during third period from January to May. All of the students completed a rigorous application and interview process to gain admission into the program.
In addition to classroom work in a diverse curriculum, the class has outside assignments including required visits to meetings of the following legislative bodies: County Commission, city councils, school board, and planning commission.
The curriculum includes the study and interaction of government, business, agriculture, healthcare, education, social services, tourism, community service, and leadership. Each student must complete twenty hours of community service and complete a class project.
The group also travels to Nashville with the Chamber of Commerce Adult Leadership class to study state government. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in May for both the students and their families, with a dinner and concert.
This year’s class is the first group that may have the opportunity to present a senior play in the school’s new performing arts center. Therefore, it was appropriate that one of the first activities was a tour of the center, now under construction at the front of the school. The tour was organized and conducted by Michael Phagan, Facilities Director for Jefferson County Schools,and Marty Simerly, representing Rentenbach.
Members of this year’s class are Rachel Blalock, Rachel Blankenship, Caleb Bodine, Haley Branch, Madison Coffey, Lauren Collins, McKay DeVault, Hunter Dome, Harper Feltner, Link Gass, Rebekah Gladden, Kelsey Haun, Rachel Hickle, Simeon Huff, Lucas Kirkpatrick, Chloe Lane, Caleb Maxey, Emme Mutterspaugh, Hannah Oakes, Shay Phagan, Lauryn Proffitt, Jacob Rex, Fiona Scruggs, Josiah Watson, and Brandon Wilmoth.
Youth Leadership Jefferson County was established by the Chamber of Commerce in 1998 as part of its Governor’s Three Star Program. It was the class project of the first Leadership Jefferson County program and the Chamber served as its presenting sponser.
In 2001, Louis Vesser, Vice-principal of Jefferson County High School and a Chamber board member, asked the Chamber to consider making the program a full-time class at JCHS.
Mrs. Brandy Arnold, a Leadership Jefferson County alumnus, serves as the class instructor along with JCHS Principal, Dr. Scott Walker. Mrs. Kaci Anderson, Chamber Community Development Coordinator, oversees the program for the Chamber.
This year’s class has already participated in the Chamber’s annual meeting and banquet by providing support staff and a coat check for the event. They have logged community service hours at various elementary schools by participating in Read Across America, provided backstage workers and ushers for the senior play, as well as assisting with photo opportunities before the performance for children, with Belle and the Prince. Many more events, fieldtrips, service opportunities planned for the semester.
By Ronnie Housley|The Standard Banner. Thursday, March 20, 2014.
Members of this year’s Jeferson County High Youth Leadership class pose for a photo on what will be the stage of the new performing arts center. The group toured the construction as one of their first activities this semester.
For more information, pleaes contact
Kaci Anderson
Ph: 865-397-9642
OR
Email: kanderson@jeffersoncountytennessee.com