Let Youth Voices Be Heard: 21CL Senior Edition 2015

Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Congratulations to the CLASS of 2015

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

Well, the day you have been working so hard for all of these years is finally here. You’re graduating from high school and, even more importantly, taking the next step on your journey toward the goals each of you have set for yourselves. For most of you that means college. For others, military or other service. For others, a jumpstart into the world of work with more education to come later. And for all of you an exciting time of challenge and opportunity no matter where you find yourself in the coming years.

All of us at 21st Century Leaders have been honored to witness your growth as leaders. You have allowed us to journey with you for a time, and the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are proud of the commitment and dedication your graduation represents. We are proud of YOU! I’ve personally been struck not by your personal accomplishments, which are considerable for most of you, but by how you are already making a measurable difference beyond your high schools. As we’ve discussed many times, leadership isn’t really about the leader but about others. It’s about helping them get better and become leaders themselves so that our schools, communities and places of work can get better, too.

In the seminal book, “The Leadership Challenge,” James Kouzes and Barry Posner describe “Modeling the Way” as one of the five practices of leadership. “Modeling the Way” is more than just being a good and decent person; it is living and acting out the behaviors you want to see in others-- being an “intentional” role model, or, as many put it, “walking the talk.” You have always “walked the talk”; that’s what led you to 21st Century Leaders to begin with. Now you’re encouraging and helping others to do the same. Our world will be better because of it.

And as you do that, you’re actually fulfilling the mission that 21st Century Leaders has had at its core for 24 years- developing leaders for the future.

As you continue your journey I hope you’ll keep in touch as alumni. In the coming years there will be hundreds, indeed thousands of young people eager to learn from you as you progress through your career, and life. Just like you these past few years, they will be ready to take up the leadership challenge and will be seeking out inspiration, encouragement and support. And as 21st Century Leaders I know you’ll be ready to help nurture the leadership talent of those who will follow in your footsteps.

On behalf of our entire organization, good luck. And thank you.

Sincerely,

Bob Watson, 21st Century Leaders, Executive Director 2

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Youth Leadership Team Seniors • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Camille Atere-Roberts, Parkview H.S. Cynthia Benjamin, Berkmar H.S. Melana Byars, DeKalb School of the Arts Kendra Dorsey, Arabia Mountain H.S. Maimuna Gassama, Cross Keys H.S. Bansari Patel, Flowery Branch H.S. Andy Rodriguez, Pinecrest Academy Neena Senior, Arabia Mountain H.S. Teryn Shipman, Grady H.S. Keith Strozier, Arabia Mountain H.S. Amara Tennessee, Roswell H.S. Jordan Whittle, Chamblee Charter H.S. Tiffani Alexander, Homeschool Dominique Bell, Chattahoochee H.S.

• • • • • • •

Armand Champion-Young, Langston Hughes H.S. Lemuel Cobbs, Alpharetta H.S. Kirstyn DuBar, North Cobb H.S. Imogen Evans, Roswell H.S. Kylon Harris, Americus-Sumter County H.S. Joi Henry, Campbell H.S. Zani Nobles, Riverwood Int. Charter H.S. Philip Rucker, Woodward Academy The orange banner signifies the seniors who served on our Youth Leadership Team during the 2014-2015 school year, either as a Youth Ambassador or Youth Leadership Council member. Thank you for your dedication and support to 21CL. We appreciate your time and commitment in your leadership role and leading by example.

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Tiffani Alexander High School: Homeschool Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite 21CL memory is presenting a business plan with my team, at the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has allowed me to hone my leadership abilities through public speaking opportunities, business plan development and engagement with other like-minded students.

College: Mercer University Intended Major: Journalism/Media Studies Accomplishments: Mercer University Media Innovation Scholarship, Forever Pink Foundation, Sheila Shaw Scott Academic Achievement Award, Forever Pink Foundation Anita Pratter Award, Elite Women of Excellence Essay Contest, GYLA Scholarship, Soileau Memorial Scholarship, GYLA Winner 2014

Camille Atere-Roberts High School: Parkview H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting the King of Pops founder at the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It really has improved my networking skills.

College: Georgia Institute of Technology Intended Major: Biology Accomplishments: Zell Miller, 21CL Youth Ambassador

Jesus Becerra High School: Maynard H. Jackson Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting new people in the first days of the summer leadership institute and doing games and activities on the lawn of Georgia Tech. It was nice to know that you were on a college campus, but at the same time having fun and meeting new people and business professionals.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It prepared for my future career with proper etiquette and leadership skills. Gave me key pointers on what to do in various things. Overall, I gained more abilities and sharpened a few, so I can develop into a better leader.

College: Saint Louis University, West Virginia University, or Georgia Southern Intended Major: Civil Engineering

Dominique Bell High School: Chattahoochee High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting new friends at the Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now TVYMI) How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I am certain of my future career path because of the experience I gained through 21st Century Leaders.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Broadcast Journalism Accomplishments: Hope Scholarship 4

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Jordan Boyd High School: Landmark Christian School Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting the journalists and cameramen at CNN at the Turner program and sitting down with them over dinner.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: Leaders should always be willing to learn more about their craft. 21st Century Leaders has taught me to be confident in the abilities of a team, rather than an individual, and always be willing to learn and admit what you don't know.

College: United States Coast Guard Academy Intended Major: Ma na ge men t

Brianna Burger High School: Chamblee High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Salsa dancing after the leadership dinner at the summer leadership institutes How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It's helped me come out of my shell and be more assertive. It also helped me be more of a team player.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Psychology

Melana Byars High School: DeKalb School of the Arts Favorite 21CL Memory: I really enjoyed volunteering at the different walk runs and working on various projects with the Youth Ambassadors How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has really strengthened my leadership and networking skills to an entirely different level.

College: Boston University Intended Major: Communications/ Journalism or Film & TV Accomplishments: Full Ride Scholarship

Lemuel Cobbs High School: Alpharetta H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: The event where we collaborated with different leaders and mentors at my summer leadership institute, Leadership Unplugged. It was my favorite event of the year because we learned how to implement our ideas realistically through social media mediums.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has improved my leadership abilities because it instilled in me the importance of listening and patience, critical communication skills necessary to create social change and develop healthy relationships.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Business Accomplishments: I received the "Civic Leader," award from Giving Point for over 430 hours of service and dedication to my local hospital "Southern Regional Hospital.�

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Nosrat Chowdhury High School: Henry W. Grady High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century Leaders has allowed me to discover about my leadership skills, personal strengths and interests and how they relate to my career choices.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: C ompu te r Scie nc e

Simone Cowan High School: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Winning the group challenge with my amazing team members and the pool party at the end of SYLI. How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has empowered me to take on more leadership roles, like becoming the founder and president of the Girl Up club at my school, and has given me the tools to become the best leader that I can be. Also, through 21CL I have made life-long friends!

College: The George Washington University Intended Major: International Affairs Accomplishments: Teen Advisor of the month -UN Foundation, Girl Up Campaign, Alumni Scholarship-George Washington University

Tiaranna Dixon High School: Henry W. Grady H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Participating in the AIDS Walk through the 21CL Youth Action Center at Grady.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It helped me improve my leadership skills and volunteering skills. I look at my community in a different way, by improving in.

College: Atlanta Metropolitan State College Intended Major: Public Relations

Kendra Dorsey High School: Arabia Mountain H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite 21CL memory had to be at our first Back to School Kickoff when we were playing the game "Minute to Win It" and everyone in the room was cheering on the teams and I felt like everyone enjoyed the game, because no one was left out of the games.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has helped me to take positions that I would have been intimidated to take on before. I have gained confidence in my public speaking and now I am not afraid to answer questions or speak in front of an audience.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Environmental Engineering Accomplishments: $2,000 CEO Scholarship & $2,000 Snapping

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Brittani Floyd High School: Sandy Creek H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21 Century Leaders program helped me to come out of my shell and learn to interact with my peers. It also taught me how to network and learn what is out there in the real world.

This program helps you to prepare for your next journey.

College: University of Alabama “ROLL TIDE” Intended Major: Telecommunications & Films

Maimuna Gassama High School: Cross Keys H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Winning the EarthCare challenge with my team.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It’s taught me that some of the most rewarding experiences can occur when you’re outside of your comfort zone.

College: St. John’s University Intended Major: Political Science Accomplishments: Receiving an internship with Turner Broadcasting this summer through the help of 21CL.

Eric Goins High School: Toombs County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Being able to be close up to the turbines at Georgia Power’s coal powered plant during EarthCare.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL allowed me to experience the importance of networking and working with a team.

College: University of North Georgia Military College Intended Major: Engineering/Physics Dual Major Accomplishments: Earned NOCTI Engineering to graduate with dual seals.

Olandreus Grant High School: Rockdale County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Sharing what you learned each day at the end of EarthCare.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL helped me open up to people of high stature in their fields. I learned how to start a conversation and how to dine like a professional.

College: Savannah State University Intended Major: Business Management

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Logan Hamilton High School: Pinecrest Academy Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory is all of the great friends I made at EarthCare with Georgia Power.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: The great leaders that I have met through this program have set the bar high which has empowered me to set my bar higher.

College: Western Kentucky University Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering Accomplishments: I will play football for WKU as a long snapper.

Ranked 4th in GA and 33rd in the nation and captain of the Pinecrest soccer team. Graduation Cord for Apostolic Leadership for completing over 30 hours of service work.

Kylon Harris High School: Americus-Sumter County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory Becoming a member of the 21st Century Leaders’ Youth Leadership Council How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century has helped develop both my written and oral communication skills through activities and opportunities on the Youth Leadership Council and at events hosted by the organization.

College: Syracuse University Intended Major: Education and Political Science (dual major) Accomplishments: Posse Scholarship

Michael Henderson High School: Miller Grove H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Everyone participating in the talent show at the summer leadership institute and showing of their skills and have the courage to get in front of a crowd of people they just met.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has made it easier for me to be outgoing and take control of situations by using the skills I obtained and refined during the program.

College: Wesleyan University Intended Major: Physics & Astronomy Accomplishments: Full Ride Scholarship

Zane Henderson High School: Dade County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory is working with my group on our project during my summer leadership institute, while we blasted Justin Timberlake music in the background.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has made me more confident in connecting with others and making lasting relationships.

College: University of Alabama Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering Accomplishments: National Merit Scholar, Georgia Scholar

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Joi Henry High School: Campbell H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: EarthCare! EarthCare was my first experience with 21CL and so far my best! I had a lot of fun at Berry learning about how to fine-tune my leadership skills, networking with accomplished individuals and meeting new peers who are simply awesome.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has given me opportunities to not only helped me strengthen my leadership skills but it has also gave me the opportunities to exercise what I've learned. I am now a better orator, better at time-management and have increased my confidence in myself.

College: Boston University Intended Major: Anthropology Accomplishments: Who’s Who Recipient

Mercedes Hepworth High School: Swainsboro H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: All four years have been amazing in 21CL and at our Youth Action Center How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has definitely made me a better leader.

College: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Intended Major: Veterinarian

Gracie Herring High School: Valdosta H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Being accepted into 21CL and attending EarthCare.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has inspired me to stand up for my peers and community.

College: Valdosta State University Intended Major: Mathematics Accomplishments: Valdosta/Lowndes Retired Educator Scholarship

Cheyenne Holloway High School: Swainsboro H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Norton Adventure through 21CL Youth Action Center How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has taught me to make responsibly and be my own leader.

College: East Georgia Intended Major: Nursing

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Ryan Jackson High School: Wheeler Center for Advanced Studies Favorite 21CL Memory: Immediate bonding with friends at the summer leadership institute, Leadership Unplugged and the Senior NIght Hawks game this year!

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I first joined my freshman year and 21CLintroduced me to applications and interview techniques, which I definitely used throughout high school and the college application process. Gave me the confidence to take leadership positions in my school.

College: Howard University Intended Major: Business/Marketing Accomplishments: Comcast leader and achiever, Wheeler Who's Who, National Achievement Finalist

Cydney Johnson High School: Lowndes H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting tons of different students and making friends at EarthCare.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has impacted my leadership abilities by teaching me to work better in group situations.

College: Texas A&M University Intended Major: History

Jemilah Joseph High School: Pebblebrook H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: The diversity workshop with Georgia Power at EarthCare and the team-building games.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I learned how adapt to different environments and how to showcase myself by using the elevator speech.

College: Tennessee State University Intended Major: Dental Hygienist Accomplishments: Tennessee Alumni Scholarship, Church Scholarship

Brianna Kaigler-Wiggins High School: Harris County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory was going to the Georgia Power Plant, and learning about the different machines that are used to create power.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I have became more confidence in myself, and have gained a multitude of leadership skills by participating in the various group activities at the summer institutes.

I'm the leader that I never thought I would be and have the confidence to lead all thanks to 21st Century!

College: Columbus State University Intended Major: Pre-Medicine Accomplishments: JROTC Superior Cade, Daughters of the American Revolutionary Award, 1st Place Regional Writing Contest, Scholar Award, Spanish Award

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Sterling LaBoo High School: Our Lady Mercy Catholic H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory from 21st Century Leaders was the formal Leadership Dinner near the end of the summer week.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century Leaders opened me to other people and taught me the skills to work well with others. The best thing I learned from 21st Century leaders was the ability to see the value in every one and use that knowledge to work better.

College: Texas A&M University Intended Major: Public Health Accomplishments: Posse Scholarship, Eta Lambda Dr. Charles N. Hawk, Jr. Scholarship

Chirag Manyapu High School: Northview H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory from 21st Century Leaders was the formal Leadership Dinner during the summer week.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century Leaders opened me to other people and taught me the skills to work well with others. The best thing I learned from 21st Century leaders was the ability to see the value in every one and use that knowledge to work better.

College: University of Pennsylvania Intended Major: International Relations Accomplishments: Johns Creek Business Association Scholarship, Roswell Women's Club Scholarship, AP Scholar with Distinction, Student Leadership Johns Creek, 2015 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards

Olivia Mast High School: Atlanta Girls School Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite part of 21CL is all of the friends I made. The group is so welcoming and I am still friends with the people I met as a freshman at 21CL EarthCare institute.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I gained a lot of confidence through my experience and it has pushed me to ask questions and be more willing to talk in a large group.

College: Georgia Institute of Technology Intended Major: Environmental Engineering Accomplishments: Agnes Scott Book Award, Humanitarian Award, Soccer MVP

Simone Maxwell High School: North Cobb H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Leadership Dinner with CNN during summer leadership institute.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: The program has allowed me to take on more leadership roles in my day to day life. The program also allowed me the exposure to ways I can become more influential in those around me.

College: University of Montevallo Intended Major: Business Management Accomplishments: MLK,Academic, Athletic

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Bryn McCarthy High School: The Lovett School Favorite 21CL Memory: Meeting so many smart and ambitious teens and winning the summer challenge on the last day How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It helped me receive a CNN internship this summer and I wrote my college essay about the impact 21st Century had on my life.

College: Washington and Lee University Intended Major: Journalism and Spanish Accomplishments: National Honor Society, Editor of High School Yearbook, Varsity Soccer and Cheerleading 4 years, Romania Missions Trip Leader, Lovett Service Board

Nicholas Morgan High School: Rockdale County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: 2014 EarthCare summer institute at Berry College. Meeting students from nearly every county/city in Georgia, learning to build and foster trustworthy friendships that literally helped with the week's activities. Having no cell phone service for a week! :-) How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I've learned to "meet people where they are". Meaning, everyone has a life story, and with that comes challenges. Leadership is about showing compassion and accepting your role as a leader.

College: Alabama State University Intended Major: Rehabilitation Studies Accomplishments: Honor Roll, Berean Christian Church Scholarship award, Amateur Athletic Union

Matthew Murphy High School: Marist School Favorite 21CL Memory: Getting a personal, behind the scenes tour of CNN and meeting talent like Carl Azuz.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I have recently taken on larger leadership roles at school because of 21CL, such as being a member of student government and the executive thespian board and being co-director of our junior high musical.

College: University of Missouri Intended Major: Journalism

Angela Nguyen High School: Campbell H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory was presenting my speech on what I have learned as a leader at the closing of the ceremony for the EarthCare leadership program.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has made me much more outgoing and determined to succeed in life. After the program I proceeded to obtain officer positions in my schools Student Government and Habitat for Humanity. The skills proved to be greatly impactful on my leadership success.

College: University of Georgia Intended Major: Environmental Engineering

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Elizabeth Ojo

Abbey Parlier

High School: Westlake H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite 21CL memory was SYLI, my first 21st Century Leaders summer institute. At first, I was scared to be on my own for an entire week, but the summer staff, Mr. Bob, Ms. Shemika, and Ms. Sonja made the experience phenomenal! And I met so many friends.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has taught me how to better interact with others. I have been able to meet with new people and work well with them. My communication and collaboration skills from the summer camps and summits have made me understand how to be more versatile and professional College: Vanderbilt University Intended Major: Civil Engineering Accomplishments: Salutatorian, Westlake STAR Student, Beta Club.

President, President of National Art Honor Society, Ola Hill Memorial Scholarship, Ivy Community Scholarship, Robbie Clark Academic Scholarship

High School: Mary Persons High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Getting to play teambuilding games at night with all of my new friends during summer leadership institutes.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I have learned how to communicate with professionals and others. It also helped me discover the career I want to pursue in college.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Marketing Accomplishments: Forsyth-Monroe County Rotary Club Scholarship

Bansari Patel High School: Flowery Branch H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Helping along with 21CL student Evan Barnard and Camille Atere-Roberts with the nature walk for visually impaired children on Global Youth Service Day. How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I've learned to have confidence with all good things I try to accomplish.

College: Mercer University Intended Major: Biology Accomplishments: Merit scholarship-$17,000 yearly

Lizbeth Rangel High School: Cedartown H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: EarthCare 2014 and the delta group! “Yaaaaasss�

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL taught me that even from diverse backgrounds there is common ground between people and as leaders, we must find some common ground in order to be an effective leader.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Social Work Accomplishments: Goizueta Scholarship 13

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Claudia Santillan High School: Dawson County High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Participating in the diversity workshop, cross the line game during Leadership Unplugged.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I has made me a better leader, especially back at school for the yearbook staff. It strengthened my skills for later on in life.

College: University of North Georgia Intended Major: Psychology

Halie Seitz High School: Mary Persons H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: I enjoyed meeting new people from all over Georgia, and continuing to keeping up with them over the years.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I have gained leadership positions throughout my school and community, because of the life skills I learned from being involved in 21st Century Leaders.

College: College of Coastal Georgia Intended Major: Early Childhood/Special Education Accomplishments: Principal's Leadership Award, Vincent J. Dooley Finalist Award, Golden Eagle - Athletics Representative

Neena Senior High School: Arabia Mountain H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: The SYLI was an amazing experience that taught me soo much! I met new people that will be friends for years to come. I learned valuable life lessons that I will use to help me further my career. SYLI is an experience that I recommend people take advantage.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has helped me unlock my leadership potential that I didn't know that I had. When I first began in 21CL, I was very shy and often kept to myself. Now I am a young woman that knows how to speak effectively and get her point across.

I loved 21CL. College: Kennesaw State University Intended Major: Chinese Language & Culture Accomplishments: Honor Roll all 4 years

Elizabeth Shelby High School: KIPP: Atlanta Collegiate Favorite 21CL Memory: Attending the 21st Century summer leadership institute, SYLI at Emory University How 21CL Has Impacted Me: I'm a more outgoing person and I'm always willing to now network with anyone I come in contact with.

College: The College of Wooster Intended Major: Neuroscience

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Madeline Shepard High School: Woodstock High School Favorite 21CL Memory: Learning to dance at the summer leadership institute, eating dinner with CNN executives, and meeting amazing friends.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has impacted me so much.

Because I was part of 21CL’s Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience, I was offered a full time, paid internship with Turner Broadcasting for this summer!

College: Georgia Southern Honors Intended Major: Business Management Accomplishments: Full Tuition & Housing at Georgia Southern Honors

Teryn Shipman High School: Henry W. Grady H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Being a member of the Youth Ambassadors How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It had helped me to chase my dreams no matter what obstacles I face along the way.

College: The University of Alabama Intended Major: Political Science

Ethan Staes High School: North Atlanta H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: The closing ceremony at Leadership Unplugged and picture-taking session at end of the summer leadership institute How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It has made me more confident in my interaction with peers and it really set me apart in the college application process.

College: Bapson College Intended Major: Finance Accomplishments: Inducted into National Society of High School Scholars; admitted to Boston U, High Point U, Hampton U, Howard U, Emerson College, Elon U and Wofford U

Israel Strickland High School: Douglas County H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit “the proper etiquette on how to conduct yourself in a professional manner."

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century Leaders has helped me take a look at myself, and realize how important it is to conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times because you may not be aware of who’s in your presence and good impressions are valuable.

College: Morehouse College Intended Major: Dual Degree Engineering Accomplishments: National Army ROTC Scholarship, Sons of the American Revolution, Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community, Wendy's High School Heisman, American Citizenship Award 15

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

Keith Strozier High School: Arabia Mountain H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory of 21CL was all the friends I made. And when we participated in a service project and volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club and seeing the kids smile and really enjoy themselves.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has impacted me so much in all 3 years. It definitely has assisted me in becoming a better public speaker.

College: Morehouse College Intended Major: Engineering Accomplishments: 21CL Youth Ambassadors. I’m in the top 10% of my class and was accepted into Morehouse.

Akirs Sutton High School: Swainsboro H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Helping with our Teens for Jeans drive at our Youth Action Center How 21CL Has Impacted Me: It makes me rise above any challenge given to me.

College: East Georgia State Intended Major: Business

Zachary Varghese High School: North Gwinnett H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: Writing and giving the 21CL invocation at my summer leadership institute, Leadership Unplugged and then being asked to present it again at the 2015 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21CL has vastly improved my soft business skills and how to network.

College: University of Georgia Intended Major: Management Information Systems (MIS) Accomplishments: I am a member of MENSA, Toastmasters, Spanish Honor Society, The National Society of High School Scholars, Junior Achievement and Turner Voices

Janice Wheaton High School: North Cobb H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: I almost fell off the ropes at the EarthCare rope course. I was hanging in the air and everyone supported me while I climbed back up.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21st Century Leaders gave me the confidence to contribute my ideas in a group setting. This helped me become Line Producer for my school's TV show the next school year.

College: Elon University Intended Major: Communications

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Senior Edition 2015

Jordan Whittle High School: Chamblee Charter High School Favorite 21CL Memory: My favorite memory of 21Cl was meeting 21Cl alumni and summer staff, Mr.Tim. His lessons and life inspire me to do great things because of his beginnings and the positive path he's on now. It says to me that nothing is impossible and that I can always do the right thing How 21CL Has Impacted Me: 21 CL has impacted me immensely. All the trips, summer programs and events have opened my eyes even further to what I can reach on my path in life. Being introduced to CEO's and new like minded people have helped me feel more sure about that career path I want to take. It has also furthered my leadership capabilities and taught me many things that I will be able to use in the business world.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Business Management Accomplishments: 21CL Youth Ambassador, Black Belt in Karate, Football Co-Captain, FBLA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Men of Distinction, VP of Young Peoples Department at church

Joseph Wilson, Jr. High School: A.R. Johnson Magnet School Favorite 21CL Memory: I can remember standing on the platform during the zipline at the BOLD course at EarthCare. Although I was nervous, on the count of three I dropped down and went on the line across the field. It was fun, and I felt free!!

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: Thanks to 21st Century Leaders, I

have improved my ability to network effectively, communicate efficiently, and plan practically. Thanks 21CL! College: Williams College Intended Major: Sociology Accomplishments: QuestBridge National College Match Award

A’Daysia Worthen High School: Swainsboro H.S. Favorite 21CL Memory: The Jeans for Teens community service project at our Youth Action Center with our 21CL advisor.

How 21CL Has Impacted Me: By showing me that when you step up and take leadership roles more opportunities open up for you.

College: Georgia State University Intended Major: Criminal Justice Accomplishments: Honor Graduate

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Let Youth Voices Be Heard

Senior Edition 2015

It’s your time to lead.

YOU ARE 21st CENTURY LEADERS.

Be sure to like our Alumni pages on Facebook & LinkedIn. Go to our Alumni page on our website: www.21stcenturyleaders.org/21cl-alumni