919 ›› STUDENT PROFILE By ALYSSA BAUCOM 919 Magazine Writer
Not everyone dreams of growing up to run a Chamber of Commerce, but for Wake Forest native Holden McLemore – that would be a dream come true. “My father has been a small business owner for over 10 years, and that has made me become a passionate advocate for small business owners,” said the 19-year-old sophomore at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. “That passion, mixed with my love for politics is why I want to work for a Chamber of Commerce. I think it’s an honorable calling for any citizen to be a public servant.” Actually, the Wake Forest High School graduate is already involved with the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce – where he interned several times, including this past summer, and was involved in launching the organization’s “Youth Leadership Wake Forest” program. “(Chamber President) Marla Akridge is my mentor,” McLemore said. “She has given me incredible opportunities and taught me so much.” For now, though, McLemore is focused on college, where he was elected to the Student Court, is secretary of the Pre-Law Society, serves as a dormitory Resident Advisor, and is a member of The President’s Men, the Garnet and Gray Society, and several other organizations. He recently received the Omicron Delta Kappa Award as the member of his class showing “strong leadership traits.” The son of Keith and Lisa McLemore of Wake Forest, he was equally involved at WFHS — serving as student body president, sports editor of the school paper, co-captain of the football team, and was Youth Advisory Board Representative for the Town of Wake Forest. McLemore also secured the prestigious Trentini Scholarship. 14
919 Magazine WF
Wake Forest Teen Well on His Way to a Life of Public Service
Holden McLemore Profile AGE: 19 SCHOOL: Hampden-Sydney College (sophomore) PARENTS: Keith and Lisa McLemore RESIDENCE: Wake Forest SIBLINGS: Liana McLemore, 22 (ECU student) PETS: Dixie and Korey (dogs) INTERESTS: Politics, NASCAR, Carolina basketball, blogging Photos by Eliza Kay Photography
November | December 2013
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