The 2021-2022 graduates of the Eastern Shore chamber Foundation’s Youth Leadership Program were celebrated during an awards ceremony held at 5 Rivers Delta Center in Spanish Fort.

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The Eastern Shore Chamber Foundation recently celebrated its 2021-2022 Youth Leadership graduates during a small ceremony held at 5 Rivers Delta Center in Spanish Fort.

Thirty-three graduates received their Youth Leadership certificate during the ceremony. The students, who hail from a variety of schools around the Eastern Shore, all have “a strong leadership quality with a drive to succeed,” according to a release.

At the beginning of the year, students were split into groups based on their application answers. Each group presented a project to help find a solution to a problem they’ve seen within their communities. One project, which focused on mental health, set a goal to install benches throughout the Eastern Shore, allowing people to take a break from life’s worries. Another project focusing on community youth togetherness developed an idea to create a Youth Festival featuring young artists and musicians.

“I am proud to say, each of our participants this year have taken the bold step and have begun to discover the leader in them,” said Christina Hellmich, director of workforce development, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. “During their journey this year, they have exhibited the principals of leadership all while becoming effective leaders and impactful citizens of our communities.”

This year’s graduates are, in alphabetical order: Andrew Beasley, Spanish Fort; Caroline Bounds, Fairhope; Camille Buckner, Bayside; Anne Darby Clark, Fairhope; Andrew Conrad, Homeschool; Patrick Daves, Bayside; Kamden Eady, Daphne; Noah Engel, Fairhope; Jack Grimsley, Fairhope; Maddi Heath, Spanish Fort; Ellie Herrick, Fairhope; Lillie Higgins, Daphne; Stella Jeffcoat, Spanish Fort; Patrick Johnson, Daphne; Ethan Kellerman, Fairhope; Markell Kyer, Spanish Fort; Hudson McClure, Bayside; Merri Broxton McLendon, Fairhope; Madisson McMichael, ASMS; Millison Mixon, Bayside; William Morrison, Bayside; Grace Noonan, St. Michael; Jackson Olsen, Bayside; Cecil Pinkston, Bayside; Sarah Lu Priester, Fairhope; Ashley Rodgers, Daphne; Ben Shaw, Fairhope; Jackson Shores, Fairhope; Kimberlynn Taylor, Daphne; Ryann Turner, Spanish Fort; Emma Grace Vannoy, Fairhope; Daniela Flores Velarde, Daphne; and Danielle Woods, Spanish Fort.