Dyer County Leadership

05/01/2026

Dyer County Youth Leadership Graduation student speaker Morgan Booker, Christ Classical Academy.

Good evening. My name is Morgan Booker and I’m honored to be able to speak on behalf of Christ Classical Academy. When my classmates and I were filling out the application to participate in this program, we wanted to learn one thing: how to be leaders. We wanted to see a change in our community and we didn’t want to wait for others to bring that change. We didn’t want to wait for others to do something we were capable of doing ourselves. We wanted to make the difference and through this program we have learned how to do just that.
We’ve done a lot in this program over the months. We did team-building activities at UT Martin, where we were taught valuable lessons on how to work with others. We’ve learned how to manage our money wisely with Security Bank. We’ve traveled to Nashville to visit the Capital and see how our state politicians are making a difference. We’ve been educated on how our law enforcement officers take risks and make sacrifices everyday to protect us.
As you can see, this has been an experience that none of us will ever forget. We’ve been pushed out of our comfort zones and challenged to be leaders for this community. Seeing firsthand the difference-makers in our county has inspired us to take what we have learned in this program and put it into practice.
Thank you to Security Bank for providing the funds for us to participate in this activity. Thank you to the Dyer County Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, thank you to each difference maker in this room. Thank you to each law enforcement officer, local politician, medical worker, and teacher. You have made this community the special place that it is. And each of us at CCA are endlessly grateful for you.

04/30/2026

Youth Leadership Graduation Student Speaker: GraceAnn Webb

Good evening, distinguished guests, mentors, and fellow graduates. My name is GraceAnn Webb, and I am a sophomore at Dyersburg High School.

Today, we gather to celebrate not only the completion of a program but the countless opportunities it has provided-opportunities for community engagement, hands-on learning, and meaningful collaboration. While the purpose was to develop leadership skills, we also became remarkably persuasive when it came to convincing our advisors that, after a long day, a sweet treat-or perhaps a trip to El Patio-was well deserved.

But truly, it is an honor to stand here and reflect on a program that has taken us beyond the classroom and into the heart of our community.

We began this journey at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where many of us came together for the first time. There, we learned the importance of connection-how to engage with new people, communicate professionally, and work as a team toward a common goal. From that point on, each experience built on the last.

In addition, we were introduced to the diverse opportunities within Dyer County's industries, explored the importance of financial responsibility, and took part in acts of service that challenged us in unexpected ways-including working through the cold as we contributed to keeping our community clean. That experience alone offered a new perspective on responsibility and appreciation for the work that often goes unseen.

Furthermore, we were graciously welcomed by Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest and Dyersburg State Community College, where we were exposed to a wide range of educational and career opportunities available to us after high school.

Later, our journey led us to the Capitol, where we had the unique opportunity to observe a live committee meeting and meet State Representative Rusty Grills. His message emphasized the significance of leadership, service, and making intentional choices that give our lives purpose and meaning.

Equally impactful was our time learning from those in law enforcement, where we gained insight into the commitment and responsibility required to protect and serve our community. Likewise, through our experience with West Tennessee Healthcare
and LIFELINE, we witnessed how collaboration across many roles creates a system that is strong, effective, and vital-much like leadership itself.

Ultimately, this program has given us more than knowledge; it has given us opportunity-the opportunity to grow, to serve, and to envision the role we can play in strengthening our communities.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to stand here today, surrounded by such motivated and accomplished students from across our school systems.

As we look ahead, I encourage each of us to remember that leadership is not defined by a title, but by action-by how we choose to serve others, embrace opportunity, and respond to challenges.
Although this program is coming to a close, the opportunities it has created for us are only just beginning. The experiences we've shared, the lessons we've learned, and the perspectives we've gained will continue to guide us forward.

Now, it is our responsibility to take those opportunities, step confidently into the future, and not simply participate in our communities-but actively lead, serve, and shape them for the better.

Thank you.
GraceAnn Webb

04/30/2026

🌟 Celebrating the Future Leaders of Dyer County! 🌟
Join us in a huge round of applause for the Dyer County Youth Leadership Class of 2026! 🎓✨

🏆These incredible sophomores from Dyersburg High School, Dyer County High School, & Christ Classical Academy have spent the year exploring the "rich blessings" of our community. From learning the inner workings of our local government to seeing our law enforcement in action, they’ve seen Dyer County through a whole new lens.

Program Director, Ellen Hopgood shared during the ceremony:
"Lead with curiosity, not just confidence. Confidence will get you through the door, but curiosity will open countless others... True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about always being willing to grow."

We are so proud of the courage, growth, and commitment these students have shown. While we know they have incredible adventures waiting for them all across the world, we hope they always remember that the path home is always open. We can't wait to see how they’ll use their talents to shape the future!

🙌A special THANK YOU to Security Bank for being our Youth Leadership program sponsor and investing in these bright young minds. 🏦THANK YOU TO .q.s for the delicious meal & 📸: By Coopfilmsstuff

Congratulations, Class of 2026! You are officially leaders in the making! 🎊

Dyersburg City Schools Dyer County Schools Trojan Torch

04/30/2026

The Dyer County Youth Leadership Class of 2026 recently concluded a transformative year, evolving from a group of sophomores into a cohesive team of "curious and confident" community leaders. Comprising students from Dyersburg High School, Dyer County High School, and Christ Classical Academy, this class spent the 2025-2026 school year engaging in hands-on experiences that showcased the "rich blessings" of their home county.

A Year of Discovery and Service
The program was designed to introduce students to the diverse moving parts of Dyer County through various immersion days:

▪️Public Safety & Civics: Students gained a behind-the-scenes look at the Dyersburg Police Department during Law Enforcement Day and traveled to the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville to meet with State Representative Rusty Grills and Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

▪️ Industry & Healthcare: The class explored local career pathways with tours of ERMCO, Dot Foods, Frazier Industrial, and West Tennessee Healthcare, where they witnessed the vital work keeping the local economy and healthcare systems running.

▪️ Education & Future Planning: Students visited TCAT Northwest, Dyersburg State Community College, and UT Martin for team-building and exposure to technical and higher education opportunities.

▪️ Community Service: Leadership was put into action as students teamed up with Keep Dyer County Beautiful for a community-wide trash pick-up.

▪️ Professional Development: The group also focused on life skills, including a Money Management & Soft Skills session sponsored by Security Bank.

And more!

During the graduation ceremony, Program Director Ellen Hopgood encouraged the graduates to "lead with curiosity," noting that while confidence opens doors, it is curiosity that leads to continuous growth. While the program anticipates these leaders finding success "all across the world," a standing invitation was extended for them to eventually return home to share their talents with Dyer County.

👏A special thank you goes to Security Bank for their continued sponsorship and to the Dyersburg/Dyer Co. Chamber of Commerce for making this vital program possible.

04/10/2026

🐰💐 Thank You, 2026 Dyer County Adult Leadership Class! 💐🐰

👏 Thank you for volunteering and helping make our annual egg hunt a success!

Shoutout to: Erin Frazier, Teresa Bryan, Rita Hollingsworth, Joey Carolin, Karen Paschall, Steve Cornelison, Abbiegail Harrington, Mary Palmer, Jeramy Eberst, Holly White, Doug Singleteary, and Evan Sanders—we appreciate you!

🐣 Thank you as well to the Easter Bunny for a special appearance and to everyone who came out to enjoy a fun-filled morning on the courthouse lawn.

🍗 Special thanks to Dodges Chicken, Main Street Dyersburg, Mayor Quick, and all our partners who helped make it happen!

We’re so grateful for this amazing community—see you at the next event! 🎉

04/10/2026

🏥Dyer County Youth Leadership Healthcare Day Recap 🩸 🚁

Students had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at West Tennessee Healthcare, gaining firsthand exposure to the many moving parts that keep our local healthcare system running strong. From a warm welcome and breakfast to engaging presentations from leadership, the day was filled with learning, exploration, and inspiration.

A special thank you to CEO Scott Barber, along with the hospital’s dedicated team, for providing an in-depth look into departments including Radiology, Laboratory, Cath Lab, Pharmacy, ICU, Labor & Delivery, and the Emergency Department—complete with a look at AIR EVAC and advanced medical technology.

Students also learned about the importance of blood services through LIFELINE and enjoyed a healthy lunch paired with valuable discussions from hospital leadership.

Experiences like this are invaluable in helping shape the future workforce and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals right here in Dyer County.

👏 We are so grateful to everyone at Dyersburg Hospital & Lifeline who took the time to invest in our students and showcase the vital work you do each and every day!

Dyersburg High School Trojan Torch Dyer County High School Christ Classical Academy

03/31/2026

We’re proud to be part of the Dyer County Leadership Class of 2026 and our project, 100 Leaders for $100 💙

Our goal is simple: bring our community together to provide scholarships to local graduating seniors. We’re asking 100 people to give $100—because when we come together, we can make a BIG impact.

🎓 Your donation = opportunity for a local student

Ways to donate:

✔️ PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HVHBDY72K3S4N
✔️ Check or Cash

👉 Want to get involved or learn more? Send us a message or drop a comment below—we’d love to connect with you!

03/29/2026

Another great stop on our education tour as we visited Northview Middle School and Dyer County High School!

At Dyer County High School, we got an inside look at how students are being prepared for success through CTE, STEM, and college-ready pathways that connect education to real-world opportunities. From the culinary arts kitchen and health science classrooms to the STEM lab, ChocTalk broadcast and digital art studio, and the FFA greenhouse—it’s clear students are gaining hands-on experience that sets them up for the future. These programs not only support students but also create meaningful connections for adult learners and community partners across Dyer County.

At Northview Middle School, we learned about their impressive achievements, including award-winning programs and their trailblazing STEM initiatives. Their Presentation Academy and continued recognition highlight the strong foundation being built for students early on, preparing them for continued success at the high school level and beyond.

It’s inspiring to see the innovation, dedication, and opportunities available to students right here in our community!

03/29/2026

We had the opportunity to tour TCAT Northwest in Newbern, and it was an incredible experience!

TCAT Northwest was recently recognized as the Best Technical College, and it’s easy to see why. They offer hands-on training in high-demand fields, helping students gain real-world skills that lead directly to careers right here in our community.

A few highlights from our visit:
• Strong partnerships with local industries to support workforce needs
• Programs designed to get students job-ready in a short amount of time
• Modern equipment and facilities that mirror real job environments
• Dedicated instructors who are truly invested in student success

It’s inspiring to see the impact TCAT Northwest is making—providing opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and helping students build meaningful careers without having to leave our area.

Thank you to the TCAT team for hosting us and sharing more about the important work you do!

03/24/2026