Flint Energies Announces Graduates of EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program

Submitted to NEW ERA
Flint Energies proudly celebrates the graduation of its latest class of students from the EMPOWER Youth Leadership Program, a regional initiative designed to equip high school juniors with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become future leaders in their communities.
The program brings together students from across central and southwest Georgia, including Crawford, Macon, Marion, Peach, Schley, Talbot, and Taylor Counties. Throughout the year, participants engaged in a series of immersive, hands-on learning experiences focused on leadership development, community awareness, and personal growth.
Students explored a wide range of topics, including CliftonStrengths and personal development, cooperative education, and community and economic development. Through these sessions, they gained a deeper understanding of their own strengths and how to apply them in real-world settings. Students also learned what it takes to create vibrant, thriving communities and how this can be applied in their hometowns.
The program also emphasized the importance of service and community engagement. Students designed and managed their own community service projects in each of their counties and learned how local initiatives and partnerships contribute to the overall success and vitality of rural communities.
A highlight of the EMPOWER experience was a visit to Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, where students explored the impact of agri-tourism and its role in supporting Georgia’s economy.
Students also had the unique opportunity to visit the Georgia State Capitol, where they met with state leaders, including Governor Brian Kemp, State Representatives Buckner, Dickey, and Stinson, Senator Larry Walker III, and professional lobbyists. This experience provided valuable insight into the legislative process and the importance of civic engagement.
In addition to leadership and civic education, participants received etiquette and soft skills training, helping them develop professionalism, communication and interviewing skills, and confidence as they prepare for college, careers, and future leadership roles. The program concluded with a graduation celebration held at Flint Energies’ headquarters in Reynolds, where students and community leaders gathered to recognize the accomplishments of this outstanding group of young leaders.
“Programs like EMPOWER are an investment in the future of our communities,” said EMPOWER creator and coordinator Natalie Bradley. “By equipping students with leadership skills and real-world experiences while learning alongside community leaders who genuinely love and mentor our youth, we are helping ensure that our rural communities continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.” Flint Energies remains committed to empowering youth and strengthening the communities it serves through education, leadership development, and community-focused initiatives.
Graduates from the EMPOWER Youth Leadership program are as follows: from Crawford County High School: Birdie Hodges, Lauren Johnson, Bradley Joyner, Mela Matthews, Stuart Yaughn, and mentor Laura Kate Cody; from Macon County High School: Jocabed Aguirre, Soloman Eke, Veronica Ford, Shaleya Nelson, Janaia Wallace, and mentor Dolice Choppola; from Marion County Hight School: Charlize Delong, Caden Robinson, Kyliah Scales, Josalyn Sizemore, Eva Walton, and mentor Baileigh Barrentine; from Peach County High School: Khazion Harris, Eli Johnson, Fatima Lopez, Kani Sy, and mentor Claire Bizzell; from Schley County High School: Laney Dew, Payton English, Savannah Grace Ewing, Palmer Hughes, Davis Snipes, and mentor Gracie Arrington; from Central-Talbotton High School: Maddie Daniel, Sylvetta Hardnett, Landen Kirk, Demarion Snellings, Jay Wilson, and mentor Adrienne Mitchell; from Taylor County High School: Eliana Brown, Daisy Burgess, Leland Holder, Merrah Richardson, Emmie Shehee and mentor Alasia Montgomery.