Rogers ’21 Wins Youth Leadership Award

2/23/2021

Kyra Rogers ’21 was recently named one of the top 21 youth leaders in Georgia by 21st Century Leaders (21CL), a Georgia-based youth leadership and talent development program for high school students from diverse backgrounds. The Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA) will be presented by WarnerMedia at a virtual event on March 25.

"Kyra is a passionate young woman and has been actively seeking opportunities for leadership throughout her time at Chatham Hall, both in school and in her community,” said Dean of College Counseling Dr. Erin McHugh. “Her mother, Jacinda, has been very supportive and has encouraged her to pursue potential scholarships, and it is so nice to see all her hard work paying off this year and being recognized as a Twenty-First Century Leader."

21CL, in partnership with the event corporate sponsors and partners, brings together business and civic leaders to raise support for year-round leadership programs while also recognizing 21 outstanding high school students throughout Georgia who have made a significant impact on their schools, communities and beyond. The organization serves over 900 students annually and this year’s top 21 include non-profit founders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, writers and filmmakers, and community advocates who truly represent the diversity of Georgia.

Through corporate sponsors, each youth leader will be presented with a $500 grant, with one student awarded the WarnerMedia Student Leadership Award – the event’s top award which includes a $1,000 grant. Students are also paired with GYLA Coaches who mentor the students throughout the event season. GYLA Coaches are members of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40 alumni. GYLA winners and coaches will meet at a private virtual Welcome Reception on Feb. 25.

“It felt really great to learn that I had won an award,” said Rogers. “I actually found out the day we got out of quarantine in January, and I couldn’t tell anyone because they were putting together the official announcement. I really didn’t think I would get it because it’s only twenty-one students, so it was a shock. There were a lot of other really strong candidates. I think the fact that I re-started the Black Student Union over the summer and started the Slam Poetry Club were major influences in my application.”

Rogers plans to use her $500 grant to further her education and has a few thoughts on her own leadership philosophy.

“You can be a leader wherever you want to be,” she said. “You don’t necessarily have to start a club or be in a student leadership role. You can do anything in your daily life.”

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