Opelika, AL- (April 27, 2026) The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2025-2026 class of Lee County Young Leaders on April 16, 2026.
The Lee County Young Leaders graduation marks the culmination of the leadership program, which takes place from September through April. Attendees heard from guest speaker Kristin Reeder, Executive Director of Leadership Lee County and a former Lee County Young Leader graduate, Akeila Driver. The event was catered by Texas Roadhouse.
GRADUATES INCLUDED:
Auburn High School
Anneliese Totura
William Ellard
Ellie Lumpkin
Hannah Kwon-Larson
Isaac Troy
Bella Boos
Chloe Park
Joy Ahn
Nancy Kelly
Sofie Hoch
Sophia Wyatt
Beauregard High School
Meredith Pike
Beulah High School
Adrienne Jansen
First Baptist Opelika Christian School
Barrett Reeves
Homeschool
Knox Newland
Lakeview Christian School
Tucker Webb
Lee-Scott Academy
Adeline McCullough
Anne Katherine Corley
Cannon Ketchum
Lucy Zellner
Loachapoka High School
Jaden Lockhart
Ormani Lockhart
Sanaa Drummond
Opelika High School
Burch Harris
Mackenzie Young
Emma Brown
Memshalyah Weaver
Paige Henry
Sadie Rainey
Smiths Station High School
Libby Parkman
Lilly Stecenko
Julianna Wiley
Trinity Christian School
Mac Ellis
In partnership with Auburn University Admissions, two graduates were awarded a four-year scholarship. Those awarded were Adeline McCullough and Barrett Reeves.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this class of Lee County Young Leaders over the past year,” says Vice President of the Opelika Chamber Mackenzie Poole. “I will always remember this graduating class for their willingness to learn and the friendships they have built with one another!”
Lee County Young Leaders is proudly presented by The City of Opelika, The City of Auburn, and The Lee County Commission. Gold Sponsors included Auburn City Schools, Lee County Board of Education, and Opelika City Schools. Silver Sponsors were the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.