Landon Parks, a 6th Grade GT student at Saluda Trail Middle School, was nominated by his ELA teacher, Ms. McMillan, to attend a Civil Rights Leadership Conference at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Based on his academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential, Landon has been selected to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), a six-day Envision by WorldStrides program. At JrNYLC, Landon will gain invaluable hands-on experience and develop lifelong success skills among fellow high-achieving students. He will enjoy leadership development, explore problem solving through the lens of American history, and learn how to apply leadership strategies to everyday challenges. Landon will collaborate with his peers to create action-oriented solutions in a simulation designed to make a positive difference at school, in the community, or in the world. Historic site visits include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park in Atlanta, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and other important monuments and memorials.

Funds raised during this campaign will go directly toward tuition costs for this unique educational opportunity. Attending the conference will help Landon build confidence, and develop communication and leadership skills that will benefit him in school, relationships, and future careers. With time built in for fun, students form real friendships that last well beyond the program. This experience will challenge him, inspire him, and help shape the leader he is becoming.

We appreciate your generosity, encouragement, and partnership in supporting Landon’s Leadership Conference at Emory University. Your willingness to pour into him — not just financially, but with love, belief, and excitement for his future — means more than words can fully capture. Because of you, Landon gets to step into an experience that will challenge him, inspire him, and help shape the leader he is becoming. Opportunities like this don’t happen alone. They happen because of a community that shows up, lifts up, and believes in the potential of a young person with big dreams. Thank you for investing in him. Thank you for cheering for him. Thank you for being part of the village that is helping him grow into the young man he is destined to be. We are truly grateful for each of you. Love and appreciation to you all.