Top row (l to r) Aaron Anderson, Lucas Wray and Jake Wiggins, Bottom row (l to r) Robert Williams, Meg Cannan and Shamara Wilburn

Leadership Jacksonville, an organization that develops youth and adult leaders in Northeast Florida, announced its Youth Leadership Jacksonville Class XXV. The year-long program brings together a diverse group of high school juniors and prepares them to become ethical leaders committed to community involvement.

The 2015-16 class consists of 55 high school juniors, who applied for the program during their sophomore year. The participants represent 30 high schools across Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties. To be chosen, participants had to be approved by their high school principal, demonstrate proven leadership ability in their school or through community activities, have an interest in addressing issues confronting First Coast communities, be academically sound with a recommended ‘B’ average or better and commit to full participation in the program.

 From left to right, Halsey Pitman, Ravi Patel, Haley Weber, Matthew Moore, Grace Michaels, Eli Mizrahi and volunteer Lisa Hayes

“It is always exciting to select and meet our next Youth Leadership Jacksonville class,” said Leadership Jacksonville Executive Director Jill Langford Dame. “This important developmental program has been a part of our organization since 1989. Graduates of Youth Leadership Jacksonville are the leaders of tomorrow, and many have gone on to become outstanding citizens and contributors to our region and other places.”

The Youth Leadership Jacksonville program runs from August through March, and the program consists of experiential activities that focus on specific facets of the community, such as government, criminal justice, human services, diversity, arts and business. Participants have meaningful behind-the-scenes opportunities combined with interaction with inspirational community leaders.

To learn more about Leadership Jacksonville and its programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org or call (904) 396-6263.