SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Isabella Kirkland, a rising senior at Sylacauga High School, was among 25 high school seniors recently selected to attend the fifth annual Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars (ECDS) Program.
The two-day event was held on the historic Huntingdon College campus in Montgomery and its primary goal was to educate young Alabamians on the significance of economic and community development.
Kirkland was nominated by the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce and represented the top students from various Chambers across the state. The program was sponsored by the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.
Participants engaged with notable speakers including:
Dr. Anthony Leigh, President of Huntingdon College
Jim Searcy, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama
Paige Hutto, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama
Nicholas Hadley, Business Development Specialist for the Alabama Department of Commerce
Madison Haddock, Economic Development Specialist for the Selma/Dallas County Economic Development Authority
Jess Skaggs, Chief of Staff for the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for the State of Alabama
Bria Rochelle-Stephens, Director for the Huntingdon College Presidential Scholars Program
The sessions focused on strategies for economic growth and community improvement.
Students were divided into small groups, each representing an Alabama city, and tasked with pitching their city to attract a corporation, played by Dr. Leigh. The project culminated in presentations to fellow students and guests, with the winning team recognized in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The creativity and innovation put on display by these incredibly talented students brings me much excitement about the future of Alabama’s leadership,” Mrs. Rochelle-Stephens. “I am confident that each one of these students will leave a lasting impact in their communities.”
Dr. Leigh and Mrs. Rochelle-Stephens announced plans for the next ECDS program in the summer of 2025.
Founded in 1854, Huntingdon College remains committed to fostering growth in faith, wisdom, and service.
