Claire Pratt Chosen as 2025/2026 Leadership University Class Participant
JACKSON, TENN., July 16, 2025 – Claire Pratt, a HomeLife Academy student, was one of 40 student applicants chosen by the Greater Jackson Chamber for its 2025-2026 Leadership University class, a leadership development program for high school juniors in Jackson-Madison County.
The new class kicked off their Leadership University journey with an information session in mid-July led by Leadership University Chair Ryan Blake of West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex and Vice Chair Amanda Kimery of Jackson Energy Authority. Later in the month, students will attend an Opening Retreat at Camp Mack Morris in Camden, TN, where they will dive into team-building and leadership development activities that set the foundation for the year.
“We are excited to welcome our new participants to Leadership University,” says Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber vice president of education and leadership development. “This year’s group is full of talented and motivated young leaders. Leadership University provides students with meaningful insights into Jackson and offers experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. They’ll develop lifelong friendships and build leadership skills that will empower their future. Our dedicated board works hard to ensure it’s a truly impactful experience.”
Throughout the school year, class members will meet monthly to participate in sessions focused on critical community topics such as healthcare, criminal justice, economic development, education, and government. Each session includes a leadership skill-building component, and students will hear directly from professionals in these fields who will share current realities, challenges, and visions for the future.
Sponsored by the Greater Jackson Chamber, Union University, Jackson State Community College, The University of Memphis – Lambuth, Jackson Energy Authority, Leaders Credit Union, FirstBank, MG Construction, Alan Brown State Farm, and The Bank of Jackson.
The 2025-2026 Leadership University class includes:
Augustine School – Tucker Davenport, Grant Schiebout, and Graham Straka
Jackson Academic STEAM Academy – Aubry Adams, Zakeria Holmes, and Kailyn Hudson
Jackson Christian School – Ben Cates, Hunt Clark, Mattie Garrison, Emma Long, and Isabella Reid
JCM – Early College High School – Ki’Mora Carroll, Kimora Hurt, Katie Peachey, Hope Steverson, and Carter Washington
Madison Academic Magnet High School – Karman Ayala, Lola Greenway, Nora Manley, Trice Mullens, Willow Ross, Parks Patrick, and Abbey Wilson
North Side High School – Isabella Hampton
South Side High School – Zandria Cohill, Xavier Davis, Cadye Hayes, and Mason Murchison
Trinity Christian Academy – Lake Helton and Brianna Smith
Trinity Christian School – Bailee Farmer
University School of Jackson – Lola Agbetoyin, Mary Blake Ferguson, Eli Freeman, Joshua O’Neal, Addyson Kirkland, Aarna Mehta, Lilly Teague, and Jesse Via
Learn more about Leadership University.
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