Sampson Junior Leadership is a leadership development program organized by the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. The nine-session program is designed to provide participants with exposure to community needs, opportunities, challenges, and resources. The program will help participants to develop leadership, communication and team building skills and provide them with the channels to interact with students from other schools and community leaders.
Clinton High School
Shaiyana Brinson
Clara Hill
Catherine Pearson
Ji’Asia Smith
Hobbton High School
Lillian Bowden
Jalicia Hemingway
Maydrin Ramirez
Lynn Thomas
Lakewood High School
Tayler Fye
Currie Faircloth
Engerbet Guevara-Guevara
Gerson Navas
Midway High School
Jeremiah Blake
Cailyn Hewlett
Mackenzie Lee
Gracie Williams
Union High School
Ashana Ortiz
Brylie Register
Daniela Siquina-Pecina
Gabriela Subias-Gonzalez
Program Days:
Orientation- Communication & Etiquette
History & Culture
Agriculture
Military
Local Government
Law & Order
Economic Development
Graduation
The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce is pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the Junior Leadership Program 2026! These talented and driven individuals have completed an intensive program focused on leadership development, community engagement, and professional growth. As they embark on the next phase of their journey, we applaud their achievements and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.
October 2th, 2025
Junior Leadership is a program that equips high school juniors with leadership skills and community awareness to prepare them for future success. The twenty exceptional students that were accepted into this program enjoyed their first day together, yesterday.
We spent the day getting to know one another, learning more about the Chamber, sharpening interview skills with Amanda Bradshaw, gaining “dress to impress” tips from Rebecca Brown, and enjoying a formal lunch together with etiquette instruction by Chelsea Bowen of Sydney Dunn Etiquette.
Congratulations to these amazing students and we can’t wait to see all that this year’s Junior Leadership Program holds!
October 23rd, 2025
Our Junior Leadership students spent the day exploring the people, stories, and creativity that shape Sampson County. From learning about the rich heritage of the Coharie Tribe, to stepping back in time at the Sampson History Museum, and wrapping up with creativity at ArtWorks- it was a day full of learning, connection, and community pride.
A HUGE thank you to Kullen Bell, Joel Rose, Kay Raynor, and Krista Wiggins for welcoming us into your spaces and sharing your time, stories, and passion for Sampson County!
November 5th, 2025
Our Junior Leadership students spent the day learning about one of Sampson County’s biggest industries: agriculture!
We kicked off the morning at Prestage Farms learning about their swine and poultry operations, then visited Warren Farming Company in Newton Grove to explore their diverse farm and enjoy a BBQ lunch. The day wrapped up with a tour of Sampson Gin Company, where students got a behind-the-scenes look at cotton production.
A special thank you to our incredible program coordinator Eileen Coite for organizing such a meaningful experience, and to all our generous hosts for sharing your time and knowledge!
January 20th, 2026
Our Junior Leaders had an incredible day at Fort Bragg last Wednesday! 🇺🇸
From touring the 82nd Airborne Museum to hands-on experiences at the Engagement Skills Trainer and Flight Simulator, this trip gave our cadets a powerful look into leadership, teamwork, and military history.
We’re proud of their curiosity, respect, and professionalism throughout the day.
January 30th, 2026
On Wednesday, our Junior Leaders spent the day learning how local government works in the City of Clinton and Sampson County. The group visited City Hall for an overview of municipal government with Natalie Blue, Human Resources Director, and heard from Stacey Ray, Public Works & Utilities Manager, about the role of public works and utilities.
They also toured the Fire Department with Fire Chief Hagan Thornton and visited Water Production with Travis Anderson, Water Production Supervisor, to learn how essential services support our community every day.
The experience concluded with an overview of county government with Stephanie Fulton, Executive Assistant/Clerk to the Board, Allen McLamb, Chair Commissioner, and Allen Vann, Sampson County Manager. Mrs. Fulton provided the students with a hands-on exercise of balancing a budget.
Thank you to our local leaders for investing in the next generation of community leadership.
Feburary 26, 2026
Last week, our Junior Leadership students traveled to Raleigh for an inside look at North Carolina’s state government in action. 🇺🇸
Students toured the NC Legislative Building, learned firsthand how laws are made, and met with legislative staff to gain insight into the work happening behind the scenes each day. They also had the opportunity to meet with NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall to hear about leadership, public service, and civic responsibility.
Experiences like this help shape the next generation of leaders right here in Sampson County. We are so proud of this outstanding group of students and their commitment to learning and leadership!
March 17, 2026
We had a great time with our Junior Leadership students during Economic Development Day a couple of week ago. Students toured Mary Mac’s, Inc., Hog Slat’s Feed Bin Facility and Manufacturing & Distribution Center, and CCL Metal Science. Each stop gave them a firsthand look at the industries that help drive growth and opportunity right here in Sampson County.
A big thank you to all of our partners who welcomed our students, shared their knowledge, and invested time into the next generation of leaders. We appreciate your support in making this day such a meaningful experience!
