Youth Leadership Sandy Springs (YLSS
<https://www.leadershipperimeter.org/youth-program/> ) is honored to
announce the graduates of the Class of 2024, a select cohort of young
leaders who spent the school year in advanced sessions to get a better
understanding of their community and how they can create a lasting impact.
These dynamic sophomores, juniors and seniors showcase the best in the next
generation of leadership and commitment to the community of Sandy Springs.

Lori Peljovich '22, Program Director of Youth Leadership Sandy Springs,
speaks about her experience with guiding this year's class on their
leadership journey, "It's been such a rewarding opportunity to help navigate
these outstanding students as they learn more about their community as well
as their innate interest in how they can start making an impact right away.
What a privilege to see how they're seeking out their next steps as leaders,
both here in Sandy Springs and for the seniors preparing to make an impact
at their respective colleges and universities in the fall."

This year's class was comprised of 39 students from eight area schools who
attend monthly programming to cultivate leadership skills, learn how a
community works, and discover pathways for community engagement.  In the
seven-month program, students explore Sandy Springs, seeing first-hand how
government, environmental groups, social service agencies, public safety,
and businesses come together to shape a community. Students gain
immeasurable knowledge, build networks by making invaluable connections, and
ultimately receive custom honor cords to wear at their Commencement
ceremonies.

Some of their key experiences included the emotional journey of a poverty
simulation, giving students a better understanding of the difficult reality
of some community members and how resources such as the Community Assistance
Center help them to overcome life's challenges. Students discovered how
companies such as WestRock are incorporating sustainability into their
practices, while nonprofits such as Chattahoochee River Keeper and Morgan
Falls Recycling Center's volunteer programs allow for students and their
families to make an impact as well.

Learning about local government included a wide range of experiences from
how legislation is drafted, and a city's budget is devised and executed to
insights into first responder operations from the Sandy Springs Fire and
Police departments. Students also gained key career skills during a visit to
Inspire Brands and on interview day. Through these and other development
days, graduates were exposed to an incredible variety of experiences and
development opportunities. This transformative program provides the Class of
2024 with the tools to propel positive change, engage and promote others in
their roles as leaders, and ensure a brighter future for Sandy Springs.

Presenting the Youth Leadership Sandy Springs Class of 2024:

• Harper Auchincloss - Pace Academy

• Jackson Barnes - Cottage School

• Jack Baylin - North Springs High School

• Daron Beldick - Riverwood High School

• Charlie Berss - North Springs High School

• Cameron Boswell - Innovation Academy

• Elyse Chen - Riverwood High School

• Aidan Colker - Riverwood High School

• Kamilly Da Silva - North Springs

• Trey Daniels - Riverwood High School

• Lauren Drake - North Springs High School

• Chris Drake - North Springs High School

• Kate Duncan - The Mt. Vernon School

• Tal Elkounovitch - Riverwood High School

• Lila Fleisig - Riverwood High School

• Ernest Gephardt - The Mt. Vernon School

• Noah Glenn - Riverwood High School

• Levi Gordon - The Weber School

• Heather Grant - Riverwood High School

• RJ Houseman - Riverwood High School

• Chloe Kentor - Riverwood High School

• Dhru Lalaji - Pace Academy

• Andrew Lapes - Riverwood High School

• Ethan Liddell - North Springs High School

• Henry Lott - North Springs High School

• Kate Lott - North Springs High School

• Alan Marhic - Riverwood High School

• Thomas Mason - Riverwood High School

• Leighton McIntosh - North Springs High School

• Charlie Mutz - Holy Innocents' Episcopal School.

• Amy Nowitz - The Weber School

• Laila Patel - Riverwood High School

• Clara Peres - North Springs High School

• Alex Royal - Riverwood High School

• Kyra Russotto - Riverwood High School

• Arianna Schultz - North Springs High School

• Aurora Seesink - North Springs High School

• Zack Siegel - Riverwood High School

• Audrey Welch - Pace Academy