Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Sends Newest Class of Leaders Into the World

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The Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Class celebrated the end of this year’s program on Tuesday, March 11, as the participants shared what they learned during the Class’s graduation at Lyons First Baptist Church.

Greater Vidalia Chamber Director of Operations Amber O’Connor, and Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Class Chairs Janna Park, Andrew O’Neal, and Jordan Robins, oversee the Class. High school juniors and seniors from Montgomery County High School, Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Toombs County High School, Vidalia Heritage Academy, and Vidalia High School are eligible for the program and are selected through a competitive application process.

During the program, the class meets 7 times, during which participants travel to various businesses, government facilities, and farmland throughout the community to learn more about the area where they live. They also learn valuable life skills, such as crafting a resume, completing a job interview, and maintaining etiquette in public settings. Students often build lasting friendships during the class and build connections with several community members.

Participants in this year’s class were Braylie Davis, Lily Grace Maybin, Georgia Meredith, Ella Newton, Maddie Joyner, Anne-Claire Taylor, Kensley Davis, Betzaida Gonzalez, Gabby Nelms, Rilyn Rodgers, Millie Richter, Ava Helms, Kylie Acosta, Noah Varn, Jeremy Best, Meredith Durden, Hannah Nichols, Aiden Harvill, Brylen Goss, Jack Godbee, Reese Neal, Jaley Owen, Erin Adams, Payton McConnell, Nemo Scott, Slade Holland, Abrien Anthony, and Tucker Brodnax.

Georgia First Bank Marketing Officer Heather Mead presented two $500 scholarships to class participants. These scholarships were selected through an application process, and were judged anonymously. These scholarships were issued to Ava Helms and Hannah Nichols.

Applications are currently open for any upcoming juniors or seniors interested in participating in the 2025-2026 Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Class. For more information, students should visit their guidance counselors or call (912) 537-4466.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS – Ava Helms (right) and Hannah Nichols (left) were each presented with a $500 scholarship by Georgia First Bank Marketing Officer Heather Mead (center).Photo by Makaylee Randolph