Juniors Anna Katherine Cates, Olivia Drake, William Groover, Nicholas Jones and Emily Orr have been selected to represent Darlington School in the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s High School Leadership Rome program for 2015-16.
Now in its 28th year, the eight-month program will take participants throughout the Rome-Floyd County community sharing different facets including local industry, government, healthcare, transportation and education. The ultimate goal for High School Leadership Rome each year is to demonstrate to the young citizens the opportunities and challenges in the Greater Rome area, and where they might fit into the bigger picture.
“Each of these young people are already leaders within the Darlington Community and I am excited that they will now have the opportunity to further their leadership qualities in the Rome community,” said counselor Chris Allen.
The five students will join other participants from schools across the county as they learn ways to better plug into the area while developing leadership skills and community investment.
“The Leadership Rome program helps to educate future leaders on the diverse business climate within our community,” said Keri Smith, leadership programs coordinator and executive assistant to the president and CEO of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce. “Each year, members of the community open the doors of their businesses and organizations, taking time out of their day to host visits, provide lunches, and participate in discussions to ensure that every class receives a positive and impactful experience.”
The Leadership Rome program has helped to mold and equip leaders for service for several decades, including many members of the Darlington Community.
"Leadership Rome was one of the best experiences that I had in high school,” said Emily (Griffin) Johnson ('02). “Being from Rome and being deeply rooted here, I thought I knew everything there was to know about my city. I was gladly mistaken."
After receiving a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia and a J.D. from Mercer University, Johnson returned home and now works as the assistant district attorney in the Floyd County District Attorney's Office. Now a happily-married mother to a young daughter, Johnson was recently selected to take part in the Leadership Rome program for working professionals.
“[The high school program] opened my eyes to how much work goes into making Rome a great place, made me appreciate it a lot more and made me want to become more involved," added Johnson.
After a comprehensive tour and economic development-focused curriculum on the Greater Rome area, High School Leadership Rome will culminate with an official graduation ceremony as students look towards college and adulthood, and ways to leave an impact on those around them in Rome and beyond.
For more information about the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce's leadership programs, click here.
