Following a highly competitive selection process, 26 students representing Bradley Central, Cleveland, and Walker Valley high schools, and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School, have been selected for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026–2027.
The 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Cleveland class includes:
Akhil Balaji, Naomi Brown, Kinna Bryson, Avery Collins, Tarver Cook, Georgia Crawford, Kenley Dew, Jake Farrar, Emma Hakes, Eva Joffrion, Joseph Meir, Katie Neely, Brooke Nix, Caroline Ready, Laeton Reed, Alex Rodas, Lorin Sentell, Kaylee Simpson, Elijah Smith, Savannah-Claire Starkey, Clara Sutter, True Waller, Reagan Weiss, Addison White, Lilly Winters, and Shaden Zboun.
Youth Leadership Cleveland is a premier leadership development program that prepares the next generation of community leaders by equipping high school students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make a lasting impact in Bradley County and beyond.
“Every year, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of students who apply to be part of this program,” said Danielle Seals, Director of Workforce Development and Youth Leadership Cleveland program director. “These students are already leaders within their own schools and circles of influence. Our goal is to help them strengthen their leadership skills while giving them a deeper understanding of how our local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and economy work together so they can continue serving and leading our community for years to come.”
Throughout the school year, participants will strengthen their leadership abilities, develop teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the community through a series of interactive one-day sessions. Students will also plan and execute a fundraising project benefiting a local nonprofit organization, participate in volunteer service opportunities, and attend leadership retreats. Program sessions explore topics including the local economy, health and human services, heritage and tourism, state government, and city and county government. Students experience these subjects through behind-the-scenes tours, site visits, discussions with community leaders, and informal question-and-answer sessions.
The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce congratulates these outstanding students and looks forward to watching them grow as they develop the leadership skills that will shape the future of the Cleveland and Bradley County community.