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Rowan Chamber Celebrates Youth Leadership Rowan Graduation

March 6, 2025

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of its inaugural Youth Leadership Rowan class. Wednesday night, students, parents, and community leaders gathered to honor the accomplishments of these young leaders and celebrate their successful completion of the program.

“Youth Leadership Rowan is a program that re-enforces the idea that students would be more willing to ‘help their hometown’ when they graduate by providing access to contacts in the business community and skills that can help them in the future. I am incredibly proud of this group of young leaders. They’ve demonstrated remarkable dedication, and I’m excited to see how they will continue to contribute to our community,” said Youth Leadership Rowan Chair, Nick Means.

The first graduating class of Youth Leadership Rowan are as follows:

Carson High School:

  • Wyatt Cornelius
  • Colson Pless

Early College:

  • Retage Elsaid
  • Dereon Rose-Morris
  • Luke Wingler

East Rowan High School:

  • Cadence Hamilton
  • Caroline Quick

North Rowan High School:

  • Madison Gooch
  • Rachel Wilkerson
  • ChyNue Vang

Salisbury High School:

  • Dayami Acevedo-Roque
  • Cadeyn Bender
  • Finnegan Avery

South Rowan High School:

  • Jennelle Benitez
  • Sara Culbert
  • Anna Shell

West Rowan High School:

  • Reagan Helmbold
  • Lucy Shelton
  • Virginia Walser

Each of the class members received a framed graduation certificate and an honor cord to wear at their high school graduation.

Dr. Alisha Byrd-Clark, Youth Leadership Rowan Program Coordinator, facilitated the graduation ceremony, inviting the students to the microphone to share a recap of their experience. Each student shared their unique experiences, all echoing a common theme — they developed a greater understanding of their community and felt a stronger connection to it.

Youth Leadership Rowan was designed to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders by equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become effective and impactful community leaders. The program was inspired by the Chamber’s Leadership Rowan program for adults, which has been successfully conducted for over 30 years. The program offers high school juniors the chance to develop their leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and gain firsthand experience with the key industries and organizations that shape Rowan County.

Throughout the Youth Leadership Rowan, students engaged in interactive sessions across the community, exploring topics such as economic development, local government, history, communications, and human needs. Each session was designed to broaden their perspectives and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to become leaders in their schools and beyond. This year’s graduating class will take on leadership roles by co-chairing one of next year’s Youth Leadership Rowan class days.

The success of Youth Leadership Rowan is made possible thanks to the generous support from sponsors. Their commitment made it possible to provide valuable experiences and opportunities for students.

Thank you to the following Youth Leadership Rowan Sponsors:

  • The Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation
  • Anonymous Donor
  • Atrium Health
  • F&M Bank
  • Novant Health
  • Rowan Partners for Education (RPE)
  • Catawba College
  • Leadership Rowan Class #30
  • Leadership Rowan Class #31
  • Kiwanis Club of Salisbury
  • Salisbury Rotary
  • Rowan Rotary
  • North Carolina Transportation Museum
  • Walser Technology Group
  • Debbie Suggs Catering
  • Trinity Oaks
  • Food Lion
  • Salisbury Police Department
  • New Pointe Realty
  • State Employees Credit Union – GQ
  • Old 97 Kettlecorn Company

Additionally, the program’s achievements were driven by the steering committee’s dedication and guidance. The Youth Leadership Steering Committee worked diligently throughout the year to plan engaging and informative days for the students to learn more about their community.

The steering committee included Alisha Byrd-Clark, Program Coordinator; Nick Means, Chair; Angela Alford; Dr. Christine Lynn; Erin Moody; Elaine Holden; Holly Teeter; Gemale Black; Kaisha Brown; Adam Clark; Margaret Young; Elaine Spalding, Chamber President; and Sydney Murphy.

As the program concludes its successful first year, the Rowan Chamber is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-2026 Youth Leadership Rowan class are now open. Rising juniors who are interested in developing leadership skills, making professional connections, and learning more about their community are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2025.

For more information or to download the application, visit www.rowanchamber.com/youth-leadership-rowan.

The Rowan Chamber congratulates the first graduating class of Youth Leadership Rowan and looks forward to seeing how they will shape the future of Rowan County!