Lakewood High School

Sixteen high school juniors from Sampson County Schools recently completed a year long Junior Leadership program. The program helped students to develop leadership, communication and team building skills and provided them with the channels to interact with students from other schools and community leaders.

Sampson Junior Leadership is a leadership development program organized by the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. The five-session program is designed to provide high school students with exposure to community needs, opportunities, challenges, and resources. Program days cover History and Culture, Agriculture, Law and Order, Military, Local Government, and State Government, Manufacturing and Industry, and Health and Wellness.

“Junior Leadership has taught me many things about my county,” commented Lakewood High School student participant Kiyah Braxton. “It has helped my communication skills and allowed me to create lifelong friendships that I know can be useful in my future. I would encourage upcoming juniors to participate in this program for an experience they will never forget!”

Participants in the program had a chance to tour facilities, participate in informative seminars, and discovered the resources available to them in the Sampson County area.  

“It's not just about learning about leadership but gaining access to those resources and mentors and knowing that there's more to offer in Sampson County,” said Sampson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jamie King. “That they don't have to go outside of Sampson to be happy and live a good life and reach their goals that they have.”

During the History and Culture program, students visited local attractions such as the Coharie Tribal Educational Center, Sampson County Arts Council, and Sampson County History Museum. 

Agriculture Day, sponsored by the Sampson County Cooperative Extension office, was spent at Prestage Mills - Moltonville Feed Mill, Warren Farms, and Sampson Gin Company.

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Department, along with Clinton Fire Department, Sampson County Courthouse, and the Clinton City Police Department hosted the students during Law and Order Day.

Link to photo album

Students also participated in conversations during Local Government Day with government officials at Clinton City Hall, Clinton Public Works Wastewater Treatment Plan, and the Sampson County Government Complex.

Hobbton High School student Daniel Aguilar remarked that "Junior Leadership opened my eyes to the different parts that make my community the way it is, not just the stuff we see in our everyday lives."

Students in the program have an array of post-graduation plans, like going to college, staying local or still debating what to do. 

Here are Sampson County Schools’ students that participated in the Junior Leadership program:

Hobbton High School -

• Daniel Aguilar

• Andrea Sada

• Carlie Wade

• Analiza West

Lakewood High School -

• Daniela Bravo Castaneda

• Kiyah Braxton

• Luanna Sessoms

• Isaiah Waters

Midway High School -

• Makayla Beach

• Sophia Bryan

• Avery Strickland

• Brady West

Union High School -

• MaryGrace Bordeaux

• Aniyah Glover

• John Malahias

• Nataly Zuniga

Once participants complete Sampson Junior Leadership, they have a foundation for implementing their knowledge and skills to become a progressive citizen and leader in Sampson County.

Rising juniors interested in participating in the 2024-2025 class can get more information and apply through their school guidance counselor.

“The Junior Leadership Program has been the best part of my junior year,” said Avery Strickland, Midway High School student. “Through this program, I have learned so much about my community, made lifelong friendships, and I have become a goal-oriented leader. Rising juniors, I highly recommend applying for this rewarding program!”

*Students pictured from Clinton High School are Larkin Best, Garrison Hill, Bailey Waters, and Lilly Williams.