The Leadership Lexington Youth Program (LLYP) encourages high school juniors to interact with community leaders and explore various careers, business opportunities, and post-secondary options. Students are chosen for the eight-month program after a competitive application process in the spring. The Class of 2016-17 features 45 outstanding students, including 33 from Fayette County Public Schools.
- Bryan Station High School: Sidney Bibbs, Simone Bibbs, Karishma Srinivasan, and Drake Witt;
- Carter G. Woodson Academy: Zion Walker;
- Henry Clay High School: Shelby Amato, Ella Franklin, Nick Joseph, Charlotte Kessinger, Ellie Phillips, Kassidy Stumbo, Colton Warner, and Alex Welch;
- Lafayette High School: Kasey Fields, Chris Giuliani, John Giuliani, Sarah Gleeson, Abby Holthaus, and Erin Remley;
- Paul Laurence Dunbar High School: Emma Draper, Akhil Kesaraju, Rohith Kesaraju, David Ma, Flor Mucino, and Julia Radhakrishnan;
- STEAM Academy: Claire Page;
- Tates Creek High School: Caroline Dunson, Ellen Harrington, Sarah Hornback, Hannah Isa, Eliana Shapere, Lauren Skidmore, and Kendra Thomas.
LLYP will take these diverse students out of school one Wednesday a month to visit different segments of the community and learn how they can make a difference. The youth will also practice networking with their peers. After orientation on Sept. 7, this year’s schedule includes Oct. 5 as Ambassadors for Change Day; Nov. 2 – Government & Public Safety Day; Dec. 7 – Arts & Media Day; Jan. 4 – Kentucky Proud Day (economic development); Feb. 1 – Health & Human Services Day; and March 1 – Higher Education & Career Day. The students’ final reflections and graduation luncheon are set for April 12.
For more information, visit the Commerce Lexington website or contact program coordinator Amy Carrington at (859) 226-1600.