The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 High School Diplomat Program. Following a series of interviews conducted at Leeds High School during the month of September, 17 exceptional juniors and seniors were selected to participate in this prestigious leadership initiative.

The program kicked off today with an informative lunch meeting and orientation where students were formally introduced to the workings of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Sandra McGuire, along with a group of local business professionals, provided an overview of the Chamber’s role and impact within the community.

Over the course of the school year, the High School Diplomat participants will attend Chamber luncheons and various events, learning more about the Chamber’s mission to support the city, schools, local businesses, and the community as a whole while gaining valuable insight into how the Chamber fosters growth and collaboration within Leeds. This program offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with community leaders, local businesses, and government officials.

In addition to Chamber events, participants will have the chance to tour select companies, giving them a firsthand look at career opportunities available in the local area. One of the highlights of the program will be a bus trip to Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta, where students will learn about the company’s business model and how it became a leader in the fast-food industry.

Participants in the 2024-2025 High School Diplomat Program and business leaders attending the orientation included:

Diplomat Participants and Business Leaders (L-R):
Dona Bonnett – adr Business & Marketing Strategies, Rachel Melvin, Casey Graham – Guild Mortgage, Amy Lee and Sandra McGuire – Leeds Area Chamber, Zyon Powe, Lauren Weems, Allison Alvarez, Lexi Drake, Sophie Gromko, Jalicia Ellis, Wilson Beasley, Clara Beth Hansen, Colton Moody, Molly Moore, Tyler Vandiver, Lilly Dawson, Pat Shipp – Moody Miracle League, Brayden Davis, Helen Poirer, Hannalyse Hudson, Emanuel Vallejo – Kinetic by Windstream, and Janna Joyner – Joyner Firearms Training. (Not pictured: Graham Gulock.)

"We are thrilled to welcome these talented students into our High School Diplomat Program," said Sandra McGuire. "This initiative is a valuable opportunity for these bright students to gain a better understanding of the business world and see how their local Chamber contributes to creating a thriving community."