On April 10, 25 students from area high schools will graduate from the Chamber’s 2017 Junior Leadership Columbia class, in a banquet to be held at First Baptist Church. These students have successfully completed ten sessions over nine months, focusing on topics integral to leadership, such as civil service, risk and reward, community involvement, creativity, personal responsibility, integrity, advocacy, and ambition.

Through their participation in the program, students also had an opportunity to attend a full day session at the Missouri State Capitol, hearing from local representatives, meeting with Judge Mary Rhodes Russell in the Missouri Supreme Court, and visiting with Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson. Students also attended the Chamber’s March Quarterly Membership Breakfast and Business Showcase, during which they were partnered with an adult member of the business community in the Leadership Columbia program.

Through the sessions, these students have developed their leadership skills and familiarity with the opportunities, realities and challenges of our local community. In the process, they have had a chance to meet and interact with a variety of business and community leaders.

Junior Leadership Columbia is a unique opportunity for high school juniors and maintains a competitive application process. Applications have been received for the 2018 program year and are currently under review.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors MBS Textbook Exchange, Missouri Credit Union, Suzi Davis Travel, and the University of Missouri – Division of Operations; T-Shirt Sponsor Missouri Cotton Exchange; Water Sponsor Culligan Water Conditioning of Columbia; Graduation Location Sponsor First Baptist Church; Transportation Sponsor White Knight Limousine & Coach; Meal Sponsors Pancheros Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A Stadium Boulevard, and Pickleman’s Gourmet Café; and Printing Sponsor Columbia College