By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Five Union City High School sophomores participated in the second annual WestStar Virtual African American Youth Leadership Summit Tuesday.
Ka’Jaylon Bell, Jermiyia Bonds, Malaki Brooks, Isabella Horton and Kameron Shade were chosen by UCHS administration to take part in event that promoted the development of leadership skills and soft (communication, teamwork, adaptability, dependability, flexibility) skills.
Students from several West Tennessee school systems had their eyes opened to different career paths and how to prepare for post-secondary education by a variety of highly qualified speakers in the Zoom opportunity. The activity coincided with Black History Month and steered students toward steps that need to be taken to make their present goals a future reality.
Shade said the opportunity was beneficial as he ponders his future.
“There was a lot of motivation and a lot of intel (intelligence) that made me consider what I want to do next,” he said during a break between speakers. “A lot of what I learned today will be a part of the decision-making process of what’s after high school.
“I know I want to go to college. And there are a lot of opportunities out there for me.”
University of Tennessee-Martin Chancellor Dr. Keith Carver and Vice Chancellor for University Development, Dr. Charley Deal, welcomed the students virtually before various speakers gave extensive information and encouragement to students.
Designated topics included community activism, preparing for post-secondary education, financial matters, and social media’s positives and negatives.
Following a lunch break, professionals highlighted a variety of choices after graduation in their respective fields.
“I really enjoyed the guides to early and later life,” Bonds claimed of the experience. “The different speakers made me think about college life and gave me fundamental tips about how to thrive in the adult world and how to be a team player.
“They reminded us of how things won’t always go our way and how you must adjust. I know college is for me, and I’ll be more open now to other majors and other careers after listening to some of the speakers. There are so many options that I was introduced to today.”
UC High School Guidance Counselor Susan Searcy deemed the session a success after she and assistant Mitzi Mobbs sat in on many speakers.
“Our students were both attentive and active with any exercises they were asked to participate in,” she said. “The speakers were really good. They were informative, and they were motivated to reach our students.
“We were allowed five students for the program, and I believe each of them benefitted – both now and down the road when they make other decisions about their future.”