Teen Advisors youth leadership programs help young people build confidence, develop character, and form positive connections that can shape their future.

Middle school is a critical time for growth. Students begin shaping how they see themselves, who they want to become, and how they respond to challenges. During these years, strong role models and positive friendships matter.

At Eddy Middle School, one counselor has seen the power of those connections firsthand.

For Cherington Lackland, Lead School Counselor at Eddy Middle School, this work feels personal.

Before becoming a school counselor, Cherington participated in Teen Advisors at Shaw High School. The experience helped shape her own growth and showed her the value of positive peer support.

“I experienced firsthand the power of being surrounded by like-minded peers committed to doing something positive,” she shares.

Today, she wants students at Eddy Middle School to experience that same sense of support, leadership, and belonging.

How Teen Advisors Youth Leadership Builds Confidence

When Cherington learned about Velocity, the middle school program offered by Teen Advisors, Inc., she immediately saw an opportunity for her students.

She wanted them to experience something meaningful beyond the classroom. She wanted them to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with peers who encourage positive choices.

Through mentorship, leadership development, and community events, middle school students connect with peers from different schools while learning how to lead and serve others. Velocity gives students space to grow into confident leaders and positive role models.

Programs like Velocity matter because young people thrive when adults and peers encourage them. Students gain confidence when they feel connected and supported. They also build important life skills that help them succeed in school and beyond.

Ten Years of Growth at Eddy Middle School

For nearly a decade, Velocity has helped students at Eddy Middle School grow into leaders.

Cherington has watched students step into leadership roles, earn recognition, and build strong character through the program. Some students have even received scholarships because they continued to demonstrate leadership and responsibility after leaving Velocity.

The impact reaches beyond the school building.

Students learn how to lead with confidence. They practice responsibility. They become role models for younger students and trusted peers among friends.

When students see their own potential, they often begin to believe in a bigger future for themselves.

Supporting Youth Leadership Across Our Community

At United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to grow into a confident, capable leader.

Creating those opportunities takes a community. Schools, families, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers all play an important role in helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form positive connections.

Organizations like Teen Advisors, Inc. provide meaningful experiences that encourage students to lead, serve others, and discover their potential.

When young people have access to strong mentors and positive leadership opportunities, the entire Chattahoochee Valley benefits.

Why Youth Leadership Matters

Middle school can shape a student’s future.

The relationships students build during these years often influence the choices they make later. Positive peer groups and strong mentors help students gain confidence and develop healthy habits.

Programs like Velocity create connection, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that help students believe in themselves.

For students at Eddy Middle School, that support continues to make a lasting difference.

Teen Advisors, Inc. is one of many organizations helping young people across the Chattahoochee Valley discover their strengths, build lasting relationships, and prepare for future success. United Way is proud to highlight and celebrate the important work happening throughout our community.

Together, We Can Help Young People Thrive

Strong communities start with young people who feel supported and prepared to lead.

By supporting and celebrating programs that build confidence, mentorship, and leadership skills, we can help shape a brighter future for the Chattahoochee Valley.