SHREVEPORT, La. – The Greater Shreveport Chamber and Caddo Parish Public Schools recognized 40 high school juniors and seniors on Wednesday for completing the inaugural Greater Shreveport Youth Leadership Program.
The year-long program, which began in September, is designed to prepare high school students to become future community and business leaders. A recognition ceremony was held at the Petroleum Club.
The Youth Leadership Program is a collaboration between the Chamber and the school district. Participants were selected by school and district officials.
“This program provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about our community and the role they can play in shaping a better future for our parish,” said Keith Burton, superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools.
The program was modeled after the Greater Shreveport Leadership Program for adults, which has operated since 1977. Throughout the school year, students engaged in nine day-long experiences focusing on topics such as local history, government, media, healthcare, and education. Activities included visits to Barksdale Air Force Base, meetings with elected officials in Baton Rouge, and career exploration sessions with local leaders.
Chamber President Dr. Tim Magner said the goal is to encourage students to see themselves as future contributors to the region’s development.
“We want to expose these students to all that Shreveport and Caddo Parish have to offer,” Magner said. “Our hope is that they leave the program inspired to invest in their community.”
2024 Graduates of the Greater Shreveport Youth Leadership Program
Booker T. Washington, C.E. Byrd, Caddo Magnet, Caddo Virtual Academy
MaKayla Hopkins, Ellissa Bryant, Pinky Arcamo, Micah Brannigan, Aniyah Lewis, Lauren Huguet, Zari Floyd, Cynthia Cooper, Salias McCulloch, Tripp Lowry, O.L. Green, Taylor Washington, Keleah Tucker, Jack Pattillo
Captain Shreve, Green Oaks Academy, Huntington, North Caddo High
Hannah Clarke, Cavon Foster, Arin Carroll, Michael Carroll, Elliott Fuller, Zion Washington, Ja’Kaitlyn Jones, David Gallagher, Brexton Lopez, Ziya Washington, Kambria Smith, De’Asia Griffin, Madison Pate, Braylon Wells, Madison Willis
Northwood, Southwood, Woodlawn
Ian Anthony, Cedreanna Cotton, Tationne Bell, Aleigha Brown, JoAnna Hayes, Marquita Harris, Landon LeVasseur, Gabriel Johnson, Adam Miller, Reagan Swan, Samuel Wilson
-ktbs.com