Youth Leadership Cherokee

06/01/2026

YLC graduates are really showing out representing our county well!!

06/01/2026

Hope you had the best time Brady!

06/01/2026

Another YLC graduate! Hope you have the best time!

Zyrese Wynn at Boys State this week.

06/01/2026

So proud of 2 of our recent YLC graduates!

04/23/2026

Today marked the final day and graduation of our Youth Leadership Cherokee Class! 🎓

We are proud to celebrate 24 outstanding high school juniors representing all five schools in Cherokee County who successfully completed this year’s program. Throughout the year, these students gained valuable insight into many aspects of our community including agriculture, tourism, community service, economic development, government, healthcare, and so much more.

To wrap up the year, students had the opportunity to visit a few of our sponsors they hadn’t seen during the program to personally say “thank you” for their support. The day ended with some well-earned fun—bowling and pizza—before each student received their certificate of completion. They will also be awarded a special cord to wear at their graduation next year.

We wish each of these students the very best as they head into their senior year—you are the future of Cherokee County!

A huge THANK YOU to all of our incredible sponsors who make Youth Leadership Cherokee possible. Your investment in these students is truly making a difference. 💙

03/19/2026

02/24/2026

Youth Leadership Cherokee had an incredible Economic Development Day exploring some of the key assets that help drive growth and opportunity right here in Cherokee County!

Our students started the day at the Centre-Piedmont Cherokee County Regional Airport, where they learned how a local airport supports business recruitment, industry expansion, emergency services, and overall economic development. Aviation plays a much bigger role in rural communities than many people realize, and our students gained valuable insight into how infrastructure fuels progress.

Next, we visited Alabama Power’s Weiss Dam, one of the most important economic and energy-producing assets in our region. Students learned about hydroelectric power generation, water management, recreation, and the lasting impact Weiss Lake has on tourism and local business.

We wrapped up the day with a wonderful lunch overlooking the water at Decks & Docks in Leesburg — a perfect setting to reflect on how natural resources, infrastructure, and local businesses all work together to strengthen Cherokee County’s economy.

A big thank you to all our hosts for investing in the next generation of leaders!

02/18/2026

Don’t miss your chance—apply now for the Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation Scholarship!🎒

The Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation offers several scholarships to help you pursue your education. 🎓💙

Check out the list of Alabama ONE Foundation Scholarships and apply today at https://alabamaonefoundation.org/scholarships/

02/05/2026

‼️ Class of 2026 ‼️
Don’t forget to apply for the First Southern State Young Leader Scholarship! 🎓💵

This scholarship can be put toward any college coursework, including technical programs such as cosmetology and lineman school. Eligibility is limited to students who graduate in 2026 from a high school within Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, or Marshall counties in Alabama.

👉 Apply today:
https://www.fssbank.com/accounts/about-us/news/first-southern-young-leader-scholarship

🗓 Deadline: March 27, 2026

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First Southern State Bank