Leaders of Tomorrow Begins 18th Year

Mount Vernon High School’s Leaders of Tomorrow program kicked off its 18th year this week, with Savannah Phillips leading the opening orientation session.

Phillips explained to the group of sophomore and junior students that they had been selected by their teachers because they exhibited leadership potential. Leaders of Tomorrow gives students an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, meet community leaders, explore careers, build practical skills, and develop greater confidence.

Kayce Jordan led the next session, focusing on everyday courtesies and the importance of presenting oneself well to others. One highlight was the reminder that it may take only seven seconds to make a first impression. Students practiced important skills such as offering a proper handshake, making eye contact, introducing themselves, and communicating confidently and respectfully.

The afternoon was devoted to exploring careers in health care.

The first stop was Mount Vernon Eye Care, where Dr. Haley Hufstetler Puryear and her staff welcomed the students. The group toured the office and learned about the eye care profession and the state-of-the-art technology used in the field. Dr. Puryear and members of her staff shared their knowledge and experience with the students, giving them an up-close look at the many responsibilities involved in providing quality patient care.

The next stop was Mount Vernon House, where administrator Marlo Moore and owner Marie Latortue met the students at the front entrance with handshakes and smiles. Moore talked with the group about the assisted-living profession and the importance of caring for residents and their families. Students toured the facility and then enjoyed lunch with the residents, provided by Mount Vernon House.

The next stop was Kinetic Physical Therapy, where Dr. Zach Buck and Dr. Mason Lowry, both graduates of Mount Vernon High School, welcomed the students along with their staff.

Buck and Lowry introduced the students to the field of physical therapy and explained how therapists work with patients to restore movement, improve strength, and help their bodies heal. They also shared the educational and professional process required to become licensed physical therapists, giving the students valuable insight into the preparation and commitment required to enter the profession.

The Kinetic visit ended on a lighter note with a friendly agility competition. The winners received Kinetic T-shirts — along with bragging rights.

The final presenter of the day was Carly Hunt, Mount Vernon ISD theater teacher and an award-winning director of state championship one-act plays. Hunt has led Mount Vernon students to multiple state championships during her tenure and brought that experience to the Leaders of Tomorrow group as she worked with students on confidence and public speaking.

Hunt offered practical advice about speaking before a group, presenting oneself with confidence, and communicating effectively — skills the students will use throughout the year as they meet community leaders, visit businesses and organizations, and ultimately prepare their own presentations.

Leaders of Tomorrow is a program of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and was created in 2008 by the late J.D. Baumgardner and Ken Greer.

The current planning team includes Savannah Phillips, Kayce Jordan, Steve Asay, Whitney Asay, Saul Mendez, Bob McFarland, Donna McFarland, Zarinska Morton, Ken Greer, Frankie Cooper, Chamber Executive Director Kristy Ellis, and Communities In Schools Coordinator Ashley Trantham.

The remaining 2026-27 schedule will include visits to Northeast Texas Community College, Republic Services, Mount Vernon city offices, Franklin County offices, and Priefert Manufacturing. One of the highlights of each year is a mock trial conducted by District Attorney Will Ramsay.

The program will conclude in the spring with a celebration luncheon attended by sponsors, adult leaders, and presenters. Each student will give a speech reflecting on what he or she learned and enjoyed most during the year.

For 18 years, Leaders of Tomorrow has encouraged Mount Vernon students to be engaged, be professional, be curious, and represent their school and community well — lessons designed to serve them long after the program ends.