Opelika City Schools is proud to congratulate the Opelika High School students who completed the 2025-2026 Lee County Young Leaders Program, a prestigious county-wide leadership experience designed to prepare the next generation of community leaders.

This year’s Opelika High School graduates of the program include Burch Harris, Memshalyah Weaver, Emma Brown, Sadie Rainey, Paige Henry, and Mackenzie Young. These students were recently recognized for successfully completing the year-long program, which brings together high school juniors and seniors from across Lee County for hands-on leadership development and community engagement.

In addition to this year’s honorees, Akeila Driver, a graduate of the 2024-2025 Lee County Young Leaders class and current Opelika High School senior, was invited to speak to this year’s class as part of the evening’s program.

Presented by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, the Lee County Young Leaders Program is built on a vision to ensure youth are prepared to lead in meeting future challenges in their city, county, and state. Throughout the year, students participate in interactive sessions, small-group discussions, and real-world experiences that help them strengthen skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and civic engagement.

The program also gives students opportunities to explore the many facets of community life in Lee County, including government, business, economic development, health care, criminal justice, and volunteer service. Participants leave the program with stronger leadership abilities, a broader understanding of their community, and meaningful connections with peers and local leaders.

The goals of the Lee County Young Leaders Program include selecting a diverse group of student participants, fostering mutual understanding and respect among students from different backgrounds, encouraging social responsibility, and inspiring young people to invest their talents back into Lee County in the future.

Congratulations to these outstanding students on a job well done. Opelika City Schools is proud of their accomplishment and excited to see the impact they will continue to make in their school and community.