By Amy Kelly

Staff Writer

Jeff Shipp and Ann Thornton, committee members of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce’s leadership steering committee, know about the diverse opportunities and unique facts of Sampson County, and they strive to share all of these aspects with Sampson youth through a junior leadership program.

Born from the adult leadership program that was established nine years ago, the junior leadership program has been offering young Sampsonians similar opportunities to experience their home county. More than 100 students have been enrolled in the program over the past five years, according to Amber Cava, the chamber’s executive director.

This year, 22 students are enrolled — two from Harrells Christian Academy and four from each of the five public high schools that comprise Clinton City and Sampson County Schools. Sampson Community College Early College High School has chosen not to participate with the program thus far due to scheduling.

To participate in the program, high school sophomores and juniors are selected by faculty, and they must meet certain criteria and go through an application process, Cava explained.

The program explores “a specific aspect of Sampson County during one full day each month,” a press release states. “Sessions include: Agriculture Day, Economic Development Day, Criminal Justice Day, Local Government Day, State Government Day and Health and Human Services Day.” Altogether these sessions give students the opportunity to “see all of Sampson County,” Thornton remarked.

Shipp summarized the program as a great opportunity “to promote youth and Sampson County.”

“And, at no cost (to the students),” Cava interjected. She noted how students could have similar opportunities during summer programs, but that would cost money and require travel outside of the county. “(This program) is an invaluable opportunity at home.”

The purpose of each session is to introduce students to new concepts and to allow them to explore different career opportunities and set educational goals to reach those careers, Cava remarked. The hope, she continued, is that students will come back home to career opportunities in Sampson County after college.

“It’s gotten to the point,” Thornton clarified, “that (students) don’t look at it as a day out of school.” In fact, participation means longer days and more work. Sessions often begins before the first school bell rings; all participants are still responsible for making up missed schoolwork; and they are assigned homework to extend and apply what they learn.

One participant, Omar Villagomez, a Hobbton High School junior, said he doesn’t mind the homework; in fact, he enjoys it. Some homework he cited was attending an agriculture rally and a county meeting. His most memorable assignment yet, Villagomez said, was volunteering at Mary Gran Nursing Center. He was uneasy about volunteering there at first, but he “got so much out of it helping the elderly, seeing them smile ... I’m glad I did it.”

Speaking about the program in general, Villagomez said he “always gets excited” in anticipation of each session because it’s “like a new experience every time. You get so much information and feel good about yourself because you have more outlook on your community that some people never get to see ... You see every aspect of the county.”

Clinton High School sophomore Eli Turlington reported he “joined to learn more about Sampson County, jobs and businesses in this area,” and he said he was “glad to be selected.”

Liliana Galven, Turlington’s classmate, recommends junior leadership because it’s “full of fun and information.” She added, “I have gained a lot of knowledge about the community. It helps us see beyond our surroundings ... how small businesses can help make a big difference to our community ... Sampson County helps everybody in any way possible ... I will definitely come back to Clinton/Sampson County because it will definitely help me ... and I won’t be so blind (to opportunities).”

Suly Rodriguez, a junior at Hobbton High School, mentioned the social aspects of the program. She enjoys socializing with students from other schools. Rodriguez called the program “fantastic,” and something she looks forward to each month. “I’m glad we have it ... and I would recommend it to others.”

Overall, the Junior Leadership program is a win-win situation for all involved. The kids really enjoy it and benefit from it, some reported; committee members enjoy working with the youth, Shipp and Thornton expressed; and, from the Chamber’s perspective, Cava said the program gives businesses “good exposure.”

Amy Kelly can be reached by phone at 592-8137 ext. 119 or by email at sigov@myclintonnc.com.