URGENT UPDATE: Twenty-eight high school students from across Georgia have officially graduated from the 2025 cohort of Youth LEAD Georgia, a transformative leadership program supported by the University of Georgia and Chick-fil-A. The graduation ceremony, held on November 10 at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, marked a significant milestone in the students’ leadership development journey.
This year-long program, which emphasizes leadership skills, civic engagement, and experiential learning, has made a profound impact on the participants. Among the graduates was Holden Walton from Valdosta, who has been actively involved in various leadership activities throughout the year. The students engaged with local business and community leaders, enhancing their understanding of leadership dynamics within Georgia.
Throughout their journey, the cohort met five times, including four regional sessions, a weeklong bus tour, and a summer summit that brought together over 150 youth from across the state. Thanks to a generous $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, participation in Youth LEAD Georgia remains at no cost for students, ensuring accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The full list of graduates includes talented individuals from various counties such as Mia Burnett (Sale City), Timothy Carter (Augusta), Victoria Alexis Clark (Smyrna), and many more. This diverse group represents the future leaders of Georgia, as they prepare to take on community challenges with the skills they’ve acquired.
At the conclusion of the program, select students were awarded Bullard Community Champion grants, designed to empower them to implement service projects within their local communities. Funded by Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, and Regions Bank, these grants support youth-led initiatives aimed at addressing specific community needs. Notably, Holden Walton was among the nine recipients of these impactful grants, showcasing the potential of these young leaders to drive change.
These graduates are not just celebrating their accomplishments; they are poised to make lasting impacts in their communities. As they embark on this new chapter, the Youth LEAD Georgia program continues to cultivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Stay tuned for updates on the initiatives these graduates will launch as they work to create positive change in Georgia.
