Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Youth Leadership Iredell Graduates

Last Updated 5/22/2025 • Posted in News, General Blog, Featured, Chamber

The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and Iredell-Statesville Schools proudly announce the successful completion of their 2024-2025 Youth Leadership Iredell Program sponsored by Bobcat, Denso, Jon C. Packman General Dentistry & Legacy Oral & Facial Surgery.

On Wednesday, April 16, 46 high school juniors attended their final leadership session, marking the culmination of their eight-month journey.

The day featured a range of activities, such as insights into non-profit leadership and an expanding your lens exercise. The participants had a powerful session with Amy Christieson, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of consulting expertise, her community is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to excel in leadership, strategy, and execution. The event concluded with a memorable graduation ceremony.

Youth Leadership Iredell offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities, expand their understanding of their community and the introduction to different Iredell County businesses and industries available for future career connections. Over the course of the program, participants learned about various aspects of regional governance, education, economic development, service organizations, and more, gaining valuable insights and practical skills for future endeavors.

Paisley Privette, a junior at North Highs School said, “ Youth Leadership opened a door for me to meet a diverse group of students around me that all have many different backgrounds and goals. I learned that everyone will not have the same type of leadership, and that being a leader comes from deciding within yourself first- you will be able to achieve all your dreams and so much more. It was amazing to learn about the many people and companies that make up our community through this program.”

Luke Meyers, a junior at South Iredell High School said, “It's a great opportunity to learn to make friends and strengthen the friendships you already have.”

Selection for the program is highly competitive. Last year over 200 juniors were invited to apply based on their academic performance. After rigorous essay submissions and interviews, 46 students were chosen from participating schools.

The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and Iredell-Statesville Schools extend their congratulations to the graduates and express gratitude to all who contributed to the program's success. As the program looks ahead to the future, preparations for the 2025-2026 school year will commence in early July, with Youth Leadership Statesville seeking new participants to continue the legacy of leadership excellence.

The mission of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce is to build strategic partnerships, driving business success and connecting people to opportunities.

Mission of Iredell-Statesville Schools: We are a premier school system where students come first. All students will receive a high quality, relevant education in a safe and caring environment which will produce confident, responsible and globally competitive citizens. Our students will be college and career ready.

For more information about Youth Leadership Iredell and future opportunities, please contact the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce at 704-873-2892 or visit us at https://www.statesvillechamber.org/youth-leadership-iredell/.

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Youth Leadership Iredell Cohort

Abby Lewis

Abi Lobo

Aiden Privette

Alyssa Houston

Amelia Braunstein

Aniyah Siler

Anna Wright

Baker Collins

Barrett Williams

Brandon Terilus

Brinkley Austin