Three Dozen Chosen for 2024-25 LLYP

Through the Leadership Lexington Youth Program (LLYP), 45 high school juniors can network with local leaders as they delve into various issues, explore local opportunities, and experience all that our city has to offer. During the year-long program, the teens think critically about their vision for Lexington and develop the leadership skills they will need to affect change.

“This year each student demonstrated exceptional intelligence, ambition, and a unique drive, which made the decision incredibly difficult,” Program Manager Savannah Combs said after the 2024-25 selection process. “The depth of talent and the breadth of potential among the candidates was truly impressive, and it was clear that every individual brought a high level of excellence and potential to the table.”

These three dozen students will represent Fayette County Public Schools:

Bryan Station High School

• Luke Majors
• Kori Mayberry

Frederick Douglass High School

• Taj Chattha
• Elizabeth Deffendall
• Sashank Jagannathan
• Hannah Rogers
• Gavin Wijesiri

Henry Clay High School

• Rufus Godbey
• Nathaniel Harvey
• Yalda Jafarpour
• Lydia Rosenthal
• Matine Sadr
• Sam Shapiro
• Molly Spalding
• Madison Stone
• Hannah Weatherholt

Lafayette High School

• Davis Ashmun
• Jonathan Francis
• Caroline Fritz
• Vivian Green
• Kori Harris
• Trinity Matthews
• Madden Mehrizi
• Beckham Milburn
• Elise Trimble

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

• Cora Breitigan
• Ava Rankin

Tates Creek High School

• Danielle Chivero
• Blessing Mbolinani Sara

STEAM Academy

• Samuel Ampadu
• Auriane Kobwa
• Shaun Okpebholo
• Prachi Patel
• Sanjana Shah
• Laila Wells
• Parker Williams

The class also includes nine private-school students.

After orientation in late August, the LLYP participants will gather one Wednesday a month to explore specific topics. The sessions include Local Lexington, Health & Human Services, Government & Public Safety, Arts & Media, Ambassador for Change, and Higher Education & Career Development. The program culminates with a graduation luncheon in early April.

LLYP is coordinated by Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass. For questions, please call Program Manager Savannah Combs at (859) 219-2423.