UPDATE: The graduation ceremony for the 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia cohort took place on November 10, 2025, at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, celebrating the achievements of 28 high school students from across Georgia. This transformative leadership program, facilitated by the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development in partnership with Chick-fil-A, empowers youth through leadership development, civic engagement, and experiential learning.
This year-long program culminated in an event marked by excitement and anticipation, as families and friends gathered to honor the graduates. Among those celebrated was Holden Walton from Valdosta, who, along with his peers, participated in sessions and traveled across the state, engaging with local business and community leaders.
The cohort met five times, including four regional sessions and a weeklong bus tour, ultimately bringing together over 150 youth from various backgrounds. Thanks to a generous $1.5 million pledge from Chick-fil-A, participation in Youth LEAD Georgia was offered at no cost, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
The graduates from the 2025 cohort included students from various counties, such as Mia Burnett (Sale City), Timothy Carter (Augusta), and Victoria Alexis Clark (Smyrna), among others. Each student embarked on a journey of personal growth and community engagement, with the aim of becoming future leaders.
In an exciting development, select students were awarded Bullard Community Champion grants at the conclusion of the program. These grants, funded by Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, and Regions Bank, empower youth to implement service projects addressing local community needs. To qualify for the grant, students were required to develop a project plan and collaborate with local partners. Notably, Holden Walton was among the nine recipients of this prestigious funding.
This graduation not only highlights the accomplishments of these young leaders but also underscores the importance of community engagement and support for youth initiatives across the state.
As Youth LEAD Georgia continues to grow, the impact of this program on the future leaders of Georgia is profound. The next steps for these graduates involve putting their leadership skills to practical use within their communities, creating lasting change and addressing local needs.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these young leaders will make a difference in their communities!
