Forty-seven high school seniors “crossed borders and dreamed big” at Educational Talent Search’s first ever Youth Leadership Summit at Southeastern Community College on Feb. 12. Seniors from South, East and West Columbus High schools, Whiteville High School and Thomas Academy dove into mini master class sessions that helped prepare them for a global workforce. 

ETS Director Dr. Leslie Brown described the “tremendous” event as a “complete success.” She said the students became globally aware of new opportunities outside of Columbus County with challenges to travel the world, learn new languages, approach job interviews in a professional manner and the responsibility of owning a passport.  

“We had a lot of positive feedback, and the students were definitely engaged with the international guest speakers,” Brown said. “The students walked away with knowledge of soft skills and acquiring a passport, and they had networking opportunities with peers from other schools.” 

The summit started with a continental breakfast and welcome addresses from SCC Executive Vice President Dr. Sylvia Cox and Dean of Student Services Colene Faulk. The mini masterclass sessions kicked off with Dr. Lacrisa Darby based in the United Arab Emirates via Zoom call. Zooming in from the United Kingdom was Andrea Martin, a Client Success Head of Citibank with 31 years of experience. The final Zoom call was with Dr. Raquel Stuart, a former university associate dean in China.  

After the three Zoom mini masterclasses, students took a “working lunch” break in Nesmith Student Center as they heard presentations from Ruth High, the One Stop Operator/WIOA Program Manager for the NCWorks Career Center, and Terrie Priest, SCC Foundation Executive Director. High spoke about job interviews and resumes, while Priest spoke about passports. Before the presentations, students ate lunch provided by Columbus Career and College Academy’s culinary arts program.  

The final mini masterclass for the summit was a live appearance by Miss North Carolina’s Teen Kamryn Hollowell. Overcoming bullies in middle school who told her she was not smart, talented or pretty enough to accomplish her goals, Hollowell stood on the SCC auditorium stage to share her vulnerable moments of “the good, the bad and the ugly.” 

“Showing up and being consistent, not only for your peers but yourself, is going to help you in the long run,” Hollowell told the seniors. “I was told three years ago that I would not be in the position that I’m in today, but I showed up for myself every single day.” 

Hollowell is a junior at Corinth Holders High School and is dually enrolled at Johnston Community College. As the 20th Miss North Carolina’s Teen, she advocates for the inflammatory bowel disease in raising money and increasing awareness for Project Purple – Advocating for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  

Hollowell spoke highly of the Career and College Promise program that allows high school students to take free college courses. She said the program is a centerpiece of her Miss America interviews and key talking points when she guest speaks at high school events. After Hollowell’s presentation, Brown challenged each student to write down three soft skills to improve on. 

Brown said that Educational Talent Search focuses on sixth through 12th graders who aim to become first generation college graduates in their family. The program prepares middle and high school students with college level skills. Through tutoring, advising, financial aid assistance, college readiness and soft skill learning, ETS prepares students for the workforce.  

“ETS’s Youth Leadership Summit – Cross Boarders and Dream Big is very pivotal for Columbus County,” Brown said. “We are educating our students to become advanced global leaders through effective communication, resume writing, financial literacy and AI development. These are the core competencies that we share with our students at Educational Talent Search, so they have the skill sets to perform in an evolving society.” 

ETS extended a Youth Leadership Summit invitation to Shaq Davis, Workforce Development Coordinator for Men and Women United for Youth and Families. He said the summit’s emphasis on transcending boundaries and aspiring to greater heights aligns seamlessly with the mission of MWUYF.  

“Our organization is dedicated to promoting education, resource awareness, and providing services that assist in creating independent and self-sufficient youth and families within our community,” Davis said. “By exposing our youth to such role models, we aim to inspire them to envision possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings and to pursue their aspirations with confidence. The summit not only highlighted the potential within each individual but also underscored the significance of community support in nurturing that potential.”  

Brown said that ETS plans for the summit to become an annual event, and she is looking forward to impacting more students next year. With nearly 50 students present this year, Brown is hoping to invite 80 to 100 students to next year’s summit.  

See more summit photos here!