Douglas County Chamber Youth Leadership Douglas 2026 Class Completes Program

The Douglas County Chamber is pleased to announce the students who recently completed the 2026 Youth Leadership Douglas (YLD) program. These outstanding students, representing high schools throughout Douglas County, were recognized for their achievement during the Leadership Douglas Closing Retreat and Graduation Ceremony.

Youth Leadership Douglas is designed to develop future community leaders by exposing students to the people, organizations, and issues that shape Douglas County. Throughout the program, participants gained firsthand knowledge of local government, public safety, economic development, workforce opportunities, education, arts and culture, water resources, and community leadership while building leadership, communication, and professional skills.

The 2026 program was led by volunteer Co-Chairs Judge Zaine Hedge and Jasmine Elliott-White, whose leadership helped guide students through a year of learning, discovery, and personal growth. The program was coordinated through a partnership between the Douglas County Chamber and the Douglas County School System.

“One of the most rewarding parts of Youth Leadership Douglas is watching students discover their potential as leaders and become more engaged in their community,” said Sara Ray, President & CEO of the Douglas County Chamber. “These students represent the future of Douglas County, and we are proud to invest in their growth and development.”

Graduates of the 2026 Youth Leadership Douglas Class include:

Abby Dedmon, Alexander High School; Amiah Metayer, Chapel Hill High School; Aoki Torrey, New Manchester High School; Braelynn Carnes, Alexander High School; Claire Keller, Alexander High School; Denny Trejo Balderas, Alexander High School; Emily McDonald, Alexander High School; Joelle Butler, Douglas County High School; Karrington Pollard, Alexander High School; Liliana Hilario-Olguin, Chapel Hill High School; Melai Figueroa, Chapel Hill High School; and Skylar Wallace, Alexander High School

Youth Leadership Douglas is a program of the Douglas County Chamber Foundation and is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders through experiential learning, community engagement, and leadership development opportunities.

For more information about Youth Leadership Douglas, Leadership Douglas, or the Douglas County Chamber Foundation, please visit www.douglascountygeorgia.com or call 770.942.5022.

About the Douglas County Chamber Foundation

The Douglas County Chamber Foundation is dedicated to developing leaders, supporting education, and strengthening the future workforce through programs that connect individuals to opportunities for personal, professional, and community growth.