Preston Haskell, Ju’Coby Pittman-Peele, William Birchfield, Sharon Peele and Gayle Peele

Leadership Jacksonville, a program that develops youth and adult leaders in Northeast Florida, welcomed more than 540 guests to its Celebration 2012 fundraiser. The celebration honored community trustees Preston H. Haskell and William O. Birchfield for their dedication and leadership to the Jacksonville community, while the memory of Gertrude H. Peele was honored with the presentation of The Frederick H. Schultz Lifetime Achievement Award. The 17^th annual event raised over $115,000, more than any previous event. Proceeds will help fund the Youth Leadership Jacksonville and Collegiate Leadership Experience programs.

In addition to recognizing the honorees, Leadership Jacksonville highlighted students currently completing the Youth Leadership Jacksonville program. Cooper Flower of Episcopal School of Jacksonville led the pledge of allegiance while Olajuwon Harris of Englewood High School provided an inspirational thought prior to dinner. Ron Brame III of Mandarin High School had the honor of introducing William O. Birchfield, and Kyndall Outler of Atlantic Coast High School introduced Preston H. Haskell.

Youth Leadership Jacksonville annually offers training to 50 outstanding students from Baker, Clay, Duval and St. Johns county high schools. The Collegiate Leadership Experience emphasizes community trusteeship to college students from the First Coast. To learn more about Leadership Jacksonville and its programs, visit www.leadershipjax.org.