I-SS students honored for completing 2022-2023 Youth Leadership program

BY BRANDY TEMPLETON reprinted from Iredell Free News

Participants in the 2022-2023 Iredell-Statesville Schools’ Youth Leadership program were recognized on Wednesday at the Twisted Oak American Bar & Grill in Statesville.

Forty-plus juniors received certificates for completing the program, which is a partnership between I-SS and the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce.

Six different high schools were represented by students who enjoyed engaging in community activities with different Iredell businesses.

Advisors Joanie Winterkamp (I-SS), Shannon Viera (Statesville Chamber), Kristie Madison Pfeufer (Doug Madison Realty), Beth Packman (John C. Packman DDS), and Bill Balatow (Allent Tate Realty) supported the students during the year.

Winterkamp explained the relevance of the program, which she has coordinated for the past five years.

“We select the top 25 percent of rising juniors and invite them to apply,” she said. “They have to write an essay, go through an interview with business professionals, and then we choose around 45 to participate. It’s a pretty grueling process.”

This year’s sponsor was Piedmont Healthcare. CEO Jeff Smith attended Wednesday’s event to personally congratulate the students.

Smith questioned the students about what they learned and enjoyed the most, encouraging them to keep connecting and involving themselves in their community.

Three students shared what they enjoyed most.

“I liked rock climbing and team-building,” North Iredell junior Taylor Mount said. “It’s fun working together.”

ASEC student Maycee MacDonald felt honored to be included.

“It’s good to see the differences in everyone from different backgrounds,” she said.

South Iredell student Ben Peace learned about being a good leader. He wants to be a veterinarian and enjoyed the dairy tour.

“My biggest takeaway is to be a good leader you have to build people up,” he said.

2022-2023 Youth Leadership Graduates

♦ ASEC: Sydney Flewellen; Maycee MacDonald; Annabel McDaniel; Christina Mejia; Lacie Price

♦ Crossroads: Campbell Collins

♦ North Iredell: Grayson Thomas Brooks;  Avery Colvert; Karleigh Dalrymple; Kendra Hathcock; Kendall Hubbard; Piper Lewis; Taylor Mounts; Sara Speaks; Sam Williams; Cole Williams

♦ Statesville: Aaliyah Alexis; Marianna Galarza

♦ South Iredell: Hannah Fortune; Cooper Hall; Sydney Law; Arya Mehta; Paul Miller; Peyten Millsaps; Maliyah Morrison; Micah Newman; Bree Newton; Davis Payne; Ben Peace; Abby Perrine; Olivia Scapicchio; Evan Sheets; Amaya Summers; Miya Zheleznyak

♦ West Iredell: Bryson Derting; Andria Eudy; Ava Hutton; Kendyl King; Rebecca Manea; Kristina Randall; Tyler Ribbeck