Table of Contents

Meet the Staff 2

Student Testimonial: Grace Powers

3

Student Testimonial: Taj Spence

4

Student Testimonial: Nevin McRay

6

21st Century Leaders Presents Student of the Month!

8

Alumni Syedah Asghar Shares Her Story

14

Fall Rally Day Recap: #MissionPossible

16

Fall Rally Day Recap:

An Experience to Cherish

17

Upcoming Events 18

Welcome! This Newsletter signifies a new era for the 21st Century Leaders Organization. An era with a new level of student involvement and integration of social media. This Year’s staff consists of writers in the Youth Leadership Council. We strive to bring awareness to 21st Century Leaders through community service and outreach, while enhancing our leadership and interpersonal skills. Our goal is to establish a large foundation that cultivates future generations of leaders who can further expand our accomplishments. The newsletter is just one medium that we plan to use to achieve our goals for this year. We hope you find it as entertaining and informative as we do.

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

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Earth Care According to Grace Powers

Grace Powers was introduced to

21st Century Leaders when she attended

the Earth Care Program at Berry

College. The Earth Care program is a

weeklong

environment-focused

leadership

development program

in which participants

are exposed to various

challenges through

interactive workshops,

tours,

roundtable sessions with business

leaders and team-building exercises.

Her experience enlightened her to-

wards the fragile state of the environ-

ment and she learned what actions she

can take to help protect it. Grace also

gained insight on the corporate func-

tions within Georgia Power. Attending

the program inspired Grace to try to di-

minish her carbon footprint.

One of Grace’s favorite parts of

the program was being able to interact

with a diverse group of students and

professionals. She met

people who wanted

and had the power to

make an impact on the

quality of the local

environment. Grace is

eager to become a

more active member of

the Youth Action Cen-

ter at her school, and she can’t wait to

apply all that she’s learned to enrich

her community. Grace has blossomed

due to 21st Century Leaders; it has em-

powered to lead others, and given her

the skills to be successful in her future

endeavors.

EarthCare participants giving thumbs up

to a great week at Berry College

By Alex Winters

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 4 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

As an organization, 21st Century

Leaders strives to make a difference in

the life of every student. Of the people

that attend summer camps, many return

to their schools with a need to lead oth-

ers in the right direction.

Taj Spence is currently a senior at

Troup County Comprehensive High

School in LaGrange, GA. She attended

the Leadership Unplugged Camp this

summer. This camp not only introduced

the participants to the business side of

the media industry, but also stressed the

importance of leadership skills when

dealing with plenty of other situations.

“Leadership Unplugged” inspired Spence

apply her findings to her experiences for

Spence Excels Independent with Leadership Talent

By Mykel Skinner

P A G E 5 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

this upcomming school year.

Spence is the currently the cap-

tain of the high school step team. Not

only does this position require skill but

also the ability to lead and encourage

team members to form a successful

group. In order to maintain her au-

thority, Spence states, “I have estab-

lished a relationship with the girls on

my team that business and practice

time are

serious; all work, no play.”

Spence felt that the Leadership

Unplugged Camp helped her prepare

to take on future leadership roles.

“The camp worked on a lot of team

building and leadership training,

which demonstrated how a team

should act as one common working

oiled machine; all collectively working

together to accomplish the set goal,”

said Spence. She applied copious

amounts of information she learned to

leading and managing her step team.

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

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Nevin McRay, senior at Roswell High School, has

used his remarkable leadership skills gained at pro-

grams created by 21st Century Leaders to lead his

high school’s Operation Smile club through trials

and tribulations.

McRay has participated in both Leadership

Unplugged at CNN and EarthCare at Berry College.

“My first 21st Century Leaders’ event was EarthCare,

and it most benefitted me through developing my

social skills. We were taught attributes that would help us in networking situations

such as firm handshakes, direct eye contact, and articulate speech. Apart from that,

mingling with complete strangers the entire week helped me understand how I best

connect with others,” said McRay.

His experience at Berry College was compared to his experience at

Leadership Unplugged as he mentioned the connections he made with the staff of

CNN Student News. McRay also claimed to gain a “perspective on media and its

impact.”

Two-Year Member of 21st Century Leaders Develops

Advanced Leadership Skills

By Imogen Evans

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As an active member of his student body, McRay participates in

various clubs, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plays on their worship

band, which allows him to exhibit his talent in specific areas.

“In school I’ve been more open to making new friends and having the courage

to walk up to others and formally introduce myself, and has helped me make even

more friends,” said McRay.

This motivated individual serves as the communications officer of the

Roswell High School chapter of Operation Smile, a new club at his school. The skills

he gained through 21st Century Leaders have evidently become useful throughout

his role in the club. “We have a very small leadership team so it was hard to

delegate tasks. From 21st Century Leaders, I learned that being a leader can just

mean taking initiative, even if you aren’t technically in the highest position,” said

McRay.

McRay heads towards a bright future, which will convey his natural talent as

a leader. Inspiring others to lead, he claims that he has learned to be an outlier and

fight for what he wants, a skill sure to assist him in his journey.

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

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P A G E 9 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

P A G E 1 0 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 0 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Garland Jones, senior at the King’s Academy in Woodstock, has worked dili-

gently throughout his high school career to receive numerous leadership awards for

his services in various non-profit organizations, and Jones has created a break-

through production company dedicated to inspire youth around the world to make

a difference in their communities.

Jones participated in 21st Century Leaders’ Leadership Unplugged

program over the summer of 2013, and now serves as a member of the 21st Century

Leaders’ Youth Advisory Board. He acknowledges that these programs have al-

lowed him to gain the beneficial leadership skills needed in order to excel in his fu-

ture.

Aside from his work with 21st Century Leaders, Jones has received awards for

his acting ability as well as the Atlanta Falcon’s September 2013 Community Quar-

terback Award, Everyday Young Hero Award, Prudential Spirit of Community Cer-

tificate of Excellence, The Presidential Volunteer Service Award and the Jefferson

Award for Public Service.

Perhaps an essential focus of Jones’ life is Phileo Productions, a produc-

tion company founded by Jones in 2011 to use different media platforms to educat-

ed and challenge youth how to promote positive behavior and build

And the Award Goes to...Garland Jones!

By Imogen Evans

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professional skills. Jones’ organization focuses on encouraging youth to excel

academically and develop admirable citizenship.

In March of 2012, Jones established a youth-led non-profit called Back-N-

Pack to help alleviate childhood hunger; throughout his non-profit career, Jones

has raised over 16,000 lbs of food.

In order to accomplish such success, Garland is supported by his family and

has discovered the best ways to efficiently manage time.

“I have a great support system with my parents, family and friends. I have

been blessed to meet great people along the way that have opened doors for me and

provide me with opportunities that I could not even imagine” said Jones. He

continued, “I set reasonable smaller goals to start both projects. The youth-led

project started with me applying for a Youth Service America grant for $500 to

have a food drive and purchase food for refugee children in Clarkston, Georgia.

From that summer project other doors opened with donations from corporations

and individuals to help with the cause. I never imagined that I would get national

scholarships and recognition for doing the Back-N-Pack project.”

Although Jones balances a busy schedule of academics, athletics, and career-

based occupations, he stays motivated towards becoming successful.

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 2 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

“I wanted to just go into acting. I did a commercial when I was five years old.

As I pursued this career as a teen, I didn’t find roles that I was comfortable playing.

Families are bombarded with so many negative media influences. I rarely saw roles

that I wanted my younger family members to see me play in movies or on TV, so I

decided to create, develop, direct and produce the roles and projects I wanted to

portray,” said Garland.

In order to maintain a balanced life, Jones plays on the Crown Athletics Var-

sity Basketball team, but holds a position on his school’s Honor Roll. His future

goals include continuing his work with Phileo Productions and continuing to serve

with Back-N-Pack; Jones wants to see a decrease in childhood hunger and also

wants to see an increase in family-friendly productions aired on national television

networks.

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P A G E 1 4 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 4 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3 P A G E 1 4 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 4 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

21st Century Leaders Alumni Spotlight

By Brianna Burger

Syedah Asghar is a very active alumnus of 21st Century Leaders. She was born in Pakistan, but raised in New York and Georgia and is currently the Special Programs Coordinator for Agnes Scott College at the Center for Student Engagement.

She became involved within 21st Century Leaders as a high school student when she was the President at her school’s chapter. She served on the Youth Advisory Board and briefly had the opportunity to intern for Cartoon Network’s Closet sponsored by Turner Broadcasting. Her involvement and passion for 21st Century Lead-ers turned into an internship her first-year in college, where she worked in the office and got a behind the scenes experience on how the organi-

zation functions. Since then she has been part of the summer camp staff and thoroughly loves getting to know our leaders. She is grateful for the experiences 21st Century Leaders has provided her with, and the young professional it has molded her into. Due to their leadership foundation, her first year in college, she won a prestigious Student Government Association Award given to a highly involved first-year at her college.

“21st Century Leaders has had a tremendous impact on my life. As an introvert-ed high school student, it broke the normative understanding of what leadership is and what it looks like.” Asghar says. The program has helped her hone her skills and provided her with opportunities that continue to be a resource for her. She says, “Starting from the 3 C’s, professional dinners at the camps, bonding with my peers, the endless workshops, and practice with networking – I’ve taken away something from it all—

P A G E 1 5 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

—along with the wonderful staff, the students are exceptionally phenomenal. Every year I am astonished at all the accomplishments the current students have made in such a short amount of time, “says Asghar.

She thinks each participating student in 21st Century Leaders takes away their own message, something that they needed to hear and learn and that the organization does a great job of balancing professional development, purposeful recreation activities, and the opportunity to truly know and understand their peers. By the end of each camp, she believes there is a family-like bond and con-nection that the students have made, something you just can’t force.

“I think the legacy 21st Century Leaders leaves behind is exactly what they state their goals as, “providing young people with the training, guidance and encouragement necessary to enter college and the workforce with a highly devel-oped set of leadership skills.” There is no other way to put it,” says Asghar.

She hopes the current participants of 21st Century Leaders take full advantage of the opportunities given to them. She says, “Break out of your comfort zone and truly try to immerse yourself with everything the organization provides. You never really know who you will meet and how they could potentially impact you if you never allow yourself the chance to. Be thoughtfully present and make a meaningful connection with someone. “

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Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 6 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3 P A G E 1 6 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Meet the Staff

Imogen Evans

Student Stories Editor

Jenéshia Hughes

Editor-in-Chief

Aarji Abbas

Design Editor

Alex Winter

Writer

Ammu Kumar

Events Editor

Brianna Burger Writer

Shaina Goldfein Writer

Mykel Skinner Writer

Dylan Terrell

Photographer

P A G E 1 6 O C T O B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

#MissionPossible

By Ammu Kumar

What defines a successful non-profit? Is it the amount of people they help? The amount of money they raise? How many people attend their fundraisers? At Fall Rally Day this year we learned that all of these factors contribute to a non-profit’s success but there are also so much more.

Fall Rally Day this year was all about making the impossible dream, possi-ble. Students participated in rotations where they were able to listen to experi-enced volunteers and see presentations about the various non-profits that visit-ed. Among these non-profits were Lekotek: A company that enables special needs kids to learn through games and toys, FEMA: An organization that helps people across America, Vox: An uncensored student –run newspaper, Clean Air Campaign: A movement that teaches us how clean air affects all parts of our lives, Kiwanis: An organization that has volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, and many more.

While going through the various rotations, we were able to see the myriad amount of problems that students in our world are helping fix. It motivates us to get out there and do something. Seeing all these different organizations also helped broaden our view when it comes to our future. Many of the different rota-tions showed us that there were possible career opportunities through their or-ganizations in various professional fields. They even offered opportunities for us to get involved now, and join their cause.

Fall Rally Day was also a great way for all of us 21st Century Leaders to re-connect with fellow camp members as well as expand our network. Jamie Cro-nier, a senior at Apalachee High School said, “Fall Rally Day was an amazing ex-perience. I got to connect with tons of friends and make more as well. My favor-ite part was getting to meet nonprofits because I got to connect with a nonprofit I hope to volunteer for.” We all loved being able to catch up with our friends and meeting new ones.

Fall Rally Day this year taught us that with a strong support network, a lot of passion, and a vision; we can bring our dreams and hopes for bettering our society and environment to fruition. We are the next generation of leaders. See-ing all these organizations enabled us to see just how far we can take a passion and turn it into a movement that can better our world.

What defines a successful non-profit? Is it the amount of people they help? The amount of money they raise? How many people attend their fundraisers? At Fall Rally Day this year we learned that all of these factors contribute to a non-profit’s success but there are also so much more.

Fall Rally Day this year was all about making the impossible dream, possi-ble. Students participated in rotations where they were able to listen to experi-enced volunteers and see presentations about the various non-profits that visit-ed. Among these non-profits were Lekotek: A company that enables special needs kids to learn through games and toys, FEMA: An organization that helps people across America, Vox: An uncensored student –run newspaper, Clean Air Campaign: A movement that teaches us how clean air affects all parts of our lives, Kiwanis: An organization that has volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, and many more.

While going through the various rotations, we were able to see the myriad amount of problems that students in our world are helping fix. It motivates us to get out there and do something. Seeing all these different organizations also helped broaden our view when it comes to our future. Many of the different rota-tions showed us that there were possible career opportunities through their or-ganizations in various professional fields. They even offered opportunities for us to get involved now, and join their cause.

Fall Rally Day was also a great way for all of us 21st Century Leaders to re-connect with fellow camp members as well as expand our network. Jamie Cro-nier, a senior at Apalachee High School said, “Fall Rally Day was an amazing ex-perience. I got to connect with tons of friends and make more as well. My favor-ite part was getting to meet nonprofits because I got to connect with a nonprofit I hope to volunteer for.” We all loved being able to catch up with our friends and meeting new ones.

Fall Rally Day this year taught us that with a strong support network, a lot of passion, and a vision; we can bring our dreams and hopes for bettering our society and environment to fruition. We are the next generation of leaders. See-ing all these organizations enabled us to see just how far we can take a passion and turn it into a movement that can better our world.

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An Experience to Cherish

By Shaina Goldfien

On October 19, 2013, 21st Century Leaders gathered for Mission Possible! The sparks ignited with regrouping with old friends and meeting new ones. The members played a round of 21st Century Leader bingo to break the ice and inter-mingle. Once settled, the members listened to a panel of young leaders who started their own non-profit organization. Each student shared their own per-sonal experience and answered questions about how and why they launched their impactful corporation. Afterwards, based on the non-profits that the stu-dents chose, they went to their designated rooms to learn about amazing groups who work every day to improve the society. The students engaged in conversa-tions and learned about each organization in order to figure out how to get more involved. All in all, 21st Century Leaders had a fantastic day full of fun and knowledge.