Edge Student Leader Represents Decatur at Statewide Scholars Program
Montgomery, AL (News release) – Savannah Samuel, a rising senior at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, was one of thirty-five high school students representing twenty-five Alabama Chambers of Commerce to attend the sixth Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program. Savannah represented the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.
The two-day, one-night experience held on Huntingdon’s campus was hosted by Huntingdon College in partnership with the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The immersive experience was designed to introduce Alabama students to the importance of economic and community development across the state and in their communities.
Participants were selected by their local Chamber of Commerce and the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program. During the program, the students had the opportunity to meet and learn about the facets of economic development from Dr. Anthony Leigh, President of Huntingdon College, Mr. Jim Searcy, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, Mrs. Paige Hutto, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, Mr. Jess Skaggs, Chief of Staff for the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for the State of Alabama, and Mrs. Bria Rochelle-Stephens, Vice President for Strategic Academic Initiatives and Director for the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program.
To receive hands-on experience in economic and community development, the students were divided into groups and assigned a city in Alabama to represent. The group was tasked with creating a city logo, assuming public office identities, then using their knowledge of their hometown to vie for a corporation to make their headquarters in the city. After completing assignments in the project, the teams gave their final pitch to President Leigh and guests. The winning team was highlighted in a groundbreaking ceremony and ribbon cutting ceremony after the final presentations.
President Anthony Leigh had high praise for the students stating, "Every year, this program brings together the cream of the crop from high schools across Alabama. All of these students are ambitious, dynamic leaders. They have eager-to-learn attitudes, and they are passionate about their local communities. They have a genuine spirit of involvement, they are highly creative, and they obviously enjoy connecting with other students just like them. Their Chambers of Commerce have noticed something special in each of them and they are all exceptional ambassadors for their hometowns and their individual high schools. Each of these students is a proven difference maker and they give me great confidence that Alabama's future is very bright."
Mrs. Rochelle-Stephens commented, “I have been greatly impressed by the students who have participated in the program this year! I have come to learn so much and have gained a deeper appreciation of the great cities and towns around our state because of the dedicated and personable students that represent them. I have high hopes that the leadership of our local communities in Alabama will thrive with the talent and the ambitions these incredible students possess. I am excited to see how they apply the knowledge that they’ve learned at ECDS, and I look forward to meeting, working with, and learning from even more students next year!