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Five hundred thirty-two outstanding leaders from 54 high schools in central Kentucky are being recognized in this year’s Youth Salute, including East and West Jessamine high schools. For the next few weeks, the Journal will feature a student chosen from each high school. This week’s students are Avery McCollum from East Jessamine and Reagan Carr from West Jessamine.

Avery McCollum is a young lady of many talents. She is a member of the Lady Jaguars cross country, track and softball teams. McCollum is active in FCCLA and is a Sources of Strength member and junior house leader. Additionally, she is a member of Southland Students and is a Red Oak volunteer.

“I plan to attend BCTC and major in dental hygiene. After graduating, I plan to work as a pediatric dental hygienist,” McCollum said about her future.

Reagan Carr has had a distinguished high school career already going into her senior year. Carr is a part of the school’s trap team, the student senate, the associate’s degree program, the National Honor Society, Sources of Strength and the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. She is also a Rogers Explorer, a volunteer coach for the Jessamine County Sharks swim team and has participated in the Down Syndrome of Kentucky Walk event.

“I plan to attend an out-state university to explore new environments and seek new experiences. I am currently undecided on career plans,” Carr said.

The Central Kentucky Council on Youth Leadership was formed in 1980 to conduct the Youth Salute in nearby counties in cooperation with the National Council on Youth Leadership, a non-profit organization. Students were nominated by teachers, guidance counselors and principals for this year’s Youth Salute. In order to qualify, the student had to be a junior (senior class of 2024), have a 3.0 GPA or better and have held at least two leadership roles to which they were chosen by their peers or an adult leader within the past two years in school, religious or community sponsored organizations.