Youth Leadership San Marcos, a program of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, has successfully concluded another year of developing the next generation of civic-minded leaders, celebrating the graduation of 15 local high school students during a special luncheon recognizing their accomplishments.
Designed for local high school students, the program aims to strengthen leadership skills, foster civic engagement and introduce students to the diverse career opportunities available throughout the San Marcos community.
The 2025-2026 cohort included Leonardo Alvarado, Jonaven Anderson, Yajaira Navarro Cano, Izari Hurtado-Capulin, Jose Cruz, John Paul Simas- Galloway, Natalie Genaro, Kealayna Jackson, Lilah Kennedy, Lucas Rodriguez, David Followell, Melanie Irwin, Sanban Johns, Eli Riedel and Kej Williams.
Over the course of eight monthly sessions, students explored key sectors of the local economy and community through immersive, hands-on experiences. Session topics included team building and communication, San Marcos history, government and public service, economic development and tourism, health care and human services, media and technology, and career exploration. Students toured local businesses and organizations, engaged with community leaders and professionals, and gained firsthand insight into the leadership, education and career pathways shaping San Marcos.
The graduation luncheon featured leadership reflections from each student as they received their certificates of completion. Students also participated in professional headshot sessions to support their future academic and career pursuits.
“Youth Leadership San Marcos is about creating meaningful connections between students, community leaders and career opportunities right here in our own backyard,” said Page Michel, president and CEO of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. “When students can see themselves in the businesses, organizations and leadership roles that make our community thrive, they begin to understand the important role they can play in shaping San Marcos’ future.”
The program was facilitated by Cassie Gray, the chamber’s education and talent pipeline development programs coordinator, in partnership with Clayton Odam of San Marcos High School and Ramez Amin of San Marcos Academy.
A cornerstone of the chamber’s workforce and education initiatives, Youth Leadership San Marcos is designed to connect students with local industries, develop leadership confidence and inspire young talent to live, work and lead in San Marcos.
For more information on this or other Education & Workforce Development programs, please contact the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce at 512-393-5900 or chamber@sanmarcostexas. com.
