This year’s Aspiring Leaders Program participants are: Ashley Kieffer (Effingham Career Academy), Vanessa Denison (Blandford Elementary School), Melissa Long (South Effingham Elementary School), Ame Lane (South Effingham Middle School) and Glen Smith (Effingham County Middle School); and back row: Latoya Jones (Blandford Elementary), Donna Strickland (Sand Hill Elementary), Jennifer Peavy (Guyton Elementary School) and Stacy Boyett (Board of Education).

Because the board of education has a responsibility to students and employees in the Effingham County School System to seek and employ the best available leaders, The Aspiring Leaders Program was implemented a few years ago. It provides a comprehensive and rigorous learning experience that prepares local candidates to effectively compete for vacant leadership positions. Moreover, these new leaders will be prepared on “day one” to implement a collaborative leadership style that maximizes their previous experience within the school system.