The Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a kick-off reception in honor of the 25 outstanding high school juniors that were selected by their counselors and teachers to participate in the Youth Leadership Robins Region program. The kick-off will take place Tuesday, August 8^th at 5:30 p.m., at Flint Energies located at the intersection of Carl Vinson and Russell Parkway in the Community Center.

The participants for the Class of 2017-18 are: Rio Espinoza, Steven Finnell, Amber McCants, Ansley McCook, and Reed Resendiz of Warner Robins High School;  Reese Coker,  Hannah Thigpen, Emma Lewis, Krina Patel, and David Underwood of Northside High School; Kameron Hayes, Maddie Key, Alyssa Lee, Kennedi Moore, and Harsh Singh of Houston County High School; Cora Bobo, Austin Guajardo, Alasha Heard, Riley Kagele, and Savannah Williams of Veterans High School; Andrew Collins, Riley Hickock, Drake Jones and Nate Sizemore of Westfield School; and Colleen Braski of Mount De Sales Academy.

A presentation will be made by Pat Braski, Owner/Operator of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Warner Robins and sponsor of the 2017-2018 Youth Leadership Robins Region Program. “Chick-fil-A Warner Robins is proud to sponsor this program again this year because we believe in finding and building leaders,” says Braski.  “I’m happy to say that several of my employees have been through this outstanding program.” Houston County Board of Education and Chamber representatives will also participate in the kick-off program.

The Youth Leadership Robins Region program exposes young leaders to the key elements that form a strong and dynamic community and encourages their input and creativity.  By equipping students with the tools needed for future leadership roles in our society, they become aware of the many opportunities for them to remain in the Robins Region after their post-secondary education.  Students apply and are selected for the program in the spring of their sophomore year in high school and participate during their junior year.  They are selected based on character, interest in the community, and the desire to shape ideas and attitudes in others.

The Youth Leadership program is designed to contribute to the development of future leaders by exposing participants to contemporary community issues, increasing awareness of community needs, strengthening teamwork skills, enhancing communication skills, and cultivating decision making skills.  Youth Leadership Robins Region is presented by the Robins Regional Chamber and endorsed by the Houston County Board of Education and Westfield Schools.