Opelika, AL – (September 24, 2026) The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2026–2027 class of Lee County Young Leaders, a county-wide leadership program designed to equip high school juniors and seniors with the skills, connections and experiences needed to become the next generation of community leaders.
This year’s class includes 34 students representing high schools and homeschool education across Lee County.
The Lee County Young Leaders program is a year-long leadership experience that brings together students from diverse schools, communities and backgrounds. Through hands-on sessions, small-group discussions and real-world experiences, participants strengthen their skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving and civic engagement while gaining a deeper understanding of the community they call home.
Throughout the year, students will explore many of the people, organizations and industries that shape Lee County, including government, business, economic development, health care, criminal justice and community service. Participants also have opportunities to connect directly with area business, nonprofit and community leaders while building relationships with fellow students from across the county.
The program’s vision is to ensure local youth are prepared as leaders to meet future challenges in their cities, county and state. By exposing students to leadership in action and encouraging community involvement, Lee County Young Leaders seeks to inspire participants to invest their talents back into Lee County as they pursue their education and careers.
2026–2027 Lee County Young Leaders Class
Auburn High School
Rayyaan Azhar
Maggie Shaw Cox
Natalia Garcia
Ayoung Jeong
John David Kastner
Chloe Keel
Leo Kim
John Miao
Olivia Simmons
Mia Wang
Michael Young
Beauregard High School
Jewel Hamby
Clayton Tapley
Beulah High School
Ja’Corey Avery
Ayden Sands
Lakeview Christian School
Cale Webb
Lee-Scott Academy
Patrick Coulter
Holland Dillworth
Jackson Melton
Loachapoka High School
Peter Chenier
Allison De Leon-Vera
Opelika High School
Aliyah Benford
Essence Dawson
Londyn Gardner
Allanah Jackson
Erin Kemp
Kennedy Moss
Miguel Angel Munoz
Madalyn Rollins
Chloe Strickland
Smiths Station High School
Carley Head
Abigail Hoffnagle
Trinity Christian School
William Dooley
Homeschool
Jay Muncie IV
Applications for the 2027–2028 Lee County Young Leaders class will be released in spring 2027. Students interested in participating must reside in Lee County and be entering their junior or senior year during the program. Participants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, remain up to date on core classes and be willing and able to attend all program sessions.
Those interested in receiving the 2027–2028 application when it becomes available may contact Mackenzie Poole at mackenzie@opelikachamber.com.
“What a privilege it is going to be for me to witness this year’s group of outstanding students go through our Lee County Young Leaders program,” said Joel Alvarado, Director of Workforce and Entrepreneurship at the Opelika Chamber and Lee County Young Leaders Program Director. “In our short time together, I am already seeing the future of Lee County’s workplaces, boardrooms and small businesses taking shape. I have no doubt the ’26–’27 Lee County Young Leaders are going to make this one of the best years in the program’s long history.”
