Opelika, AL — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted a graduation ceremony for the 2025–2026 class of Lee County Young Leaders on April 16, 2026.
The graduation marks the culmination of the year-long leadership program, which runs from September through April. Attendees heard from guest speaker Kristin Reeder, Executive Director of Leadership Lee County, and former Lee County Young Leader graduate Akeila Driver. The event was catered by Texas Roadhouse.
Graduates by School
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
Auburn University Scholarships
In partnership with Auburn University Admissions, two graduates were awarded four-year scholarships: Adeline McCullough and Barrett Reeves.
Program Details
“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.
About Lee County Young Leaders
The Lee County Young Leaders Program is a year-long, county-wide leadership experience for high school juniors and seniors across Lee County, Alabama. Through hands-on sessions, small-group discussions, and real-world experiences, students build leadership skills while forming meaningful connections with peers and some of the area’s most respected business, nonprofit, and community leaders. Learn more at opelikachamber.com/leadership-development/lcyl.
Source: Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Lenzi Womack, Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy — lenzi@opelikachamber.com | 334.745.4861
