Junior Leadership Kershaw County will kick off its 37th year in August 2025 with a two-day retreat that includes team building and outdoor challenges.
Thirty-two juniors and seniors representing Camden, Lugoff-Elgin and North Central high schools as well as the Camden Military Academy participate in a variety of leadership development activities, covering topics such as business and industry, local and state government, public speaking, health and wellness.
Junior Leadership Kershaw County is a partnership of the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, the Kershaw County School District and Camden Military Academy. The program began in 1988 and is one of the oldest continuously running high school leadership programs in the state. Since it began more than 800 students have completed the program.
“Junior Leadership is one of the most popular programs we sponsor,” says Amy Kinard, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “It is a unique venture and has really resonated with our schools, their students and the business community. Over the years it has been very successful developing student leaders and future leaders in our community. Some of the graduates have gone on to become doctors, attorneys, teachers, a state representative and even a pro football player.”
During the year, students meet in monthly sessions to learn more about the Kershaw County community. The year ends in April with a graduation dinner and presentation of the Robert. J. Sheheen Outstanding Junior Leadership Student of the Year award.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are available now. All applications should be turned in to the student's high school and must include the application and two teacher evaluations. For the application, click HERE and for the teacher evaluation form, click HERE. The deadline for this paperwork is March 21, 2025. Students will be notified of their selection in mid to late April 2025.