Greater Jackson Chamber announces Leadership University Class of 2026 graduates

JACKSON, Tenn. — 39 aspiring young leaders have completed the 2025–2026 Leadership University program, a youth leadership initiative of the Greater Jackson Chamber.

Courtesy of Greater Jackson Chamber

The class represents public, private, and homeschool juniors from across Jackson-Madison County.

Leadership University is a 10-month program designed to identify students with leadership potential and provide them with opportunities to grow through hands-on experiences, community engagement, and interaction with local leaders.

Major sponsors for the program include 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, along with additional community partners whose support makes the program possible.

“Working with this Leadership University class has been such a rewarding experience. 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 meaningful ways throughout the year. Congratulations to the Leadership University Class of 2026—this is only the beginning,” said Ryan Blake, vice-chair of Leadership University.

During the graduation celebration, students were recognized for their achievements and received their Leadership University certificate of completion. Ben Cates of Jackson Christian School received the Judy Renshaw Youth Leadership Award for exceeding program expectations.

Throughout the program, students completed 64 classroom hours, nearly 1,000 hours of community service, and a collaborative class project. Participants engaged in sessions on ethical leadership, workforce readiness, and community issues, gaining a broader understanding of how they can make a positive impact.

The Leadership University Class of 2026 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 School
• Abbey Wilson – Madison Academic Magnet High School

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