2026 Class
Contact: Rachel Ligon | rligon@wacochamber.com | 210-618-7667 mobile | 254-757-5613 office
We want to see your pictures! If you post throughout the class, make sure you tag us and use #LeadershipWaco.
LinkedIn: @LeadershipWaco | Facebook: @LeadershipWaco | Instagram: @GWCLeadershipWaco
Email: rligon@wacochamber.com
About the Program
Teen Leadership Waco benefits Greater Waco by developing informed, connected and activated emerging community leaders.
Overview
Teen Leadership Waco Objectives
Teen Leadership Waco (TLW) was created to build on the leadership skills of our youth to help develop future leaders in our community.
Program objectives are as follows:
- To identify and recruit emerging leaders as participants
- To prepare and allow students to participate in the group process
- To inform students about community history, government, economic and social issues, that are a part of the environment that makes our community function
- To encourage participants to undertake leadership roles to improve their own environment
Population
Eleven high schools across McLennan County will be represented by students who are interested in leadership and community involvement. TLW 2026 has selected 31 students during the application process. This program is heavily sought by area students for which space is limited. Your student was selected because of their commitment and potential for leadership and community involvement.
Program
Teen Leadership Waco consists of a team building program and orientation day and seven individual workshops. Workshops are usually scheduled on a Monday from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM and have a particular theme that is followed throughout that day.
June, July and August are the only months when there are no formal program activities.
Parents need to fill out these FORMS. Return them to rligon@wacochamber.com.
Students need to sign the Code of Conduct. Return them to rligon@wacochamber.com.
Class Calendar
Program
Teen Leadership Waco consists of a team building program and orientation day and seven individual workshops. Workshops are scheduled on a Monday from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM and have a particular theme that is followed throughout that day.
June, July and August are the only months when there are no formal program activities.
2026 CALENDAR
Class 1 - Orientation Retreat - February 2, 2026
Class 2 – Economic Development Day - March 2, 2026
Class 3 - History Day – March 30, 2026
Class 4 – Community Partners Day – April 27, 2026
Summer Break: June - August
Class 5 - City & County Day - September 14, 2026
Class 6 – Healthcare Day - October 5, 2026
Class 7 - Education Day - November 2, 2026
Class 8 - Law & Order Day - December 7, 2026
Transportation
A bus will be provided for transportation during the days of TLW events and transportation will be provided by a licensed commercial driver with no criminal history.
No student may follow in his/her car for any reason.
Parents will receive a copy of the schedule and can make arrangements to drop off or pick up their child as needed. Please communicate with the director.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy
Absences
Attendance at all Teen Leadership Waco (TLW) events is crucial. Students are allowed a maximum of two approved absences during the program year. Exceeding this limit will result in being removed from TLW without a refund. Exceptions for extreme circumstances will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee.
- Half-Day Absences: No more than two half-day absences are permitted. Leaving early or arriving late disrupts the program and should be minimized. Make plans to attend until class is dismissed at 3:30 each day.
- Communication: Notify the TLW team of any planned absences as far in advance as possible.
- For planned absences: Email rligon@wacochamber.com.
- For same-day absences: Call or text 210-618-7667 to ensure timely communication.
- Both the student and parent must notify the TLW team before any absence.
Keeping Teachers Informed
Students are responsible for informing their teachers about the TLW schedule at the start of the program and throughout the year. Since the program runs across two school years, it is important to communicate again in August with new teachers.
- Tests and assignments impacted by TLW events should be coordinated in advance (e.g., taking Monday tests on Friday).
- While TLW communicates with school administrators, counselors, and attendance clerks, it does not communicate directly with teachers.
School Reporting
- Attendance Reporting: Roll will be taken at each event and shared with schools via a sign-in sheet.
- School Policies: Absence policies vary, but all area schools recognize the TLW program. Participation will not impact final exam exemptions.
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Students, please read the below guidelines, and sign this document. Save it and email it to rligon@wacochamber.com
All Teen Leadership Waco participants must agree to follow this Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program without a refund, and violations may be reported to appropriate authorities for further disciplinary action.
- General Conduct
- Follow all TLW rules, your school’s code of conduct, and the policies of businesses or organizations visited during the program.
- Represent yourself, your school, the city, the Greater Waco Chamber, and the TLW program with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.
- Respect the property, rights, and privileges of others, including fellow students, TLW coordinators, and guest speakers.
- Leadership and Behavior
- Act as a role model, demonstrating the leadership qualities promoted by TLW.
- Hold your classmates accountable for their actions as well. Lead by example and with words of encouragement.
- Maintain self-discipline and behave responsibly throughout the program year.
- Dress Code
- Wear the TLW t-shirt with jeans / pants or dress code-length shorts.
- Prohibited: short shorts, athletic shorts, or short skirts.
- Certain days may require long pants (e.g., site visits). Notifications will be sent before these events.
- Cell Phone Policy
- Phones must be off or on silent during presentations and group activities.
- Usage is only permitted during lunch or while traveling on the bus.
- Engagement
- Actively participate by engaging in discussions and asking at least one question on each tour. Stay curious!
- Consequences for Violations
- Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in penalties determined by the TLW Committee, which may include dismissal from the program.
Tuition Payments
The total fee for Teen Leadership Waco tuition is $500. The final payment is due May 1, 2026.
Payment Details
- Payments may be made in multiple installments by check or by credit/debit card.
- To pay by card, utilize THIS LINK. Please include student's name as "recognition name." Sponsors may also use this link.
- If you or your sponsor prefers to pay by check, make checks payable to Greater Waco Chamber.
Deliver or mail payments to:
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
101 S. Third St.
Waco, TX 76701
Include "TLW" in the payment reference.
Sponsorship Requirement
Each student must secure a financial sponsorship of $100 or more from an unrelated individual or business. Sponsorship funds count toward the program fee and are also due by May 1, 2026.
- Students are encouraged to seek multiple sponsorships to cover the full program fee, if needed.
- Sponsors may request updates from students during or after the program year.
- Students should send thank you notes to their sponsors to express gratitude. To help you with this, here is a TLW Sponsorship Payment Form. Please utilize this form to keep track of sponsors' information and your total tuition payments.
Volunteer Hours
Volunteer Hours Requirement
Teen Leadership Waco participants must complete 28 volunteer hours outside of program activities and group projects during the year.
Monthly Hour Requirements
- School Year (Feb-May, Sept-Dec): Average of 2 hours per month
- Summer (June-Aug): 5 hours per month
- A minimum of 18 hours must be completed by September.
Guidelines for Volunteer Hours
- Diversify Your Efforts: Volunteer at 4-5 different organizations. No more than 14 hours can be completed at a single organization.
- Religious Institution Limit: Up to 14 hours can be completed at a church, synagogue, mosque, etc. (Volunteer hours at religious-affiliated organizations like Caritas or Meals on Wheels are exempt from this limit.)
- Excluded Activities: PALS or tutoring hours do not count.
The goal is to assist charitable organizations outside your usual activities, encouraging new and meaningful experiences in the community.
List of opportunities
Documenting Volunteer Hours
In order to make it easy as possible to document your hours, please utilize this form to submit your hours:
Use your phone to take a selfie and include it when you use the form.
Group Service Project
The Teen Leadership Waco Class will organize and execute a group service project requiring a minimum of 4 hours.
- If unable to attend, students can contribute by:
- Securing donations, contacting media, or writing thank-you notes to donors.
- Additional volunteer hours will be assigned if a student does not participate directly.
Teen Leadership Waco Volunteer Opportunities
Upcoming Chamber Events:
The Texas Food Truck Showdown - Volunteers are needed to serve at this great annual event! Saturday, April 11
TriWaco Triathlon - There are opportunities to volunteer both on Saturday, June 27 during packet pickup and pre-race setup, and on race day, Sunday, June 28.
Other Organizations:
Meals on Wheels - Sign up to volunteer to deliver meals to those in need. If you sign up, please be patient if you do not hear back immediately.
Hewitt Public Library - Sign up to help shelving and straightening books; Assisting with storytimes, activities, and movies; Assisting with art projects; Preparing crafts and other activities. Need to go to the website and scroll down to “How to get Started” to create a MyImpact profile.
Waco Civic Theater - Sign up to Greet guests as they arrive, Check in guests and handing out playbills, Directing guests to their seats, Working Concessions, Cleaning the auditorium of spills after. Click this link and then hit one of the two beige boxes and it will send you to their current show and sign up options.
Caritas - Sign up to help restock shelves, bag food, Re-stock bonus items, help retrieve empty baskets, bag/separate supplies or donations for events.
Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry - Sign up to help in the pantry, make deliveries, work in the store, or help with distributions.
Salvation Army - Sign up to help in the community kitchen or the family thrift store.
Keep Waco Beautiful - This website should send you to their most recent volunteer opportunities. Help with cleanups and other sort of maintenance projects around Waco.
Mobilize Waco - Click the link to sign up to be added to their email list to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, also their website contains their upcoming events.
Compassion Waco - Sign up to help with volunteer opportunities such as Childcare, Apartment Hosting, Budgeting, Mentoring, Administrative Support, Organizing (Mostly this I think), Event Planning, Fundraising, Marketing/Social Media, Tutoring.
Fuzzy Friends - Sign up to learn about volunteer opportunities that you can do regarding your age, Opportunities such as General Rescue Maintenance, Office/Clerical Work, Writing Animal Profiles, Cat/Dog Socialization, Dog Walking, Off-Site Events, Special Projects.
No Limitations - (Need an adult to sign up) There are many volunteer opportunities at No Limitations and we are confident you will find something you enjoy. Whether you become a coach, assistant coach, pal, coordinator, or team parent, or even board member, you will be helping our athletes become healthier and gain greater independence.
Historic Waco - A volunteer program for students in 8th grade through 12th grade who are interested in service to the community and want to be part of festive celebrations at House Museums.
Class Roster
February- Orientation Retreat
Learning objectives:
- Build connections with classmates and begin forming trust as a team.
- Understand expectations for the year and what participation looks like.
- Recognize personal strengths and areas for growth in leadership.
Agenda and Dress Code
February 2, 2026
Orientation Retreat
If you haven't already emailed them to rligon@wacochamber.com, bring signed waivers with you, or you won't be able to participate.
Drop off and pick up at Eastland Lakes Team and Leadership Center (i.e. Baylor University Challenge Course)
406 Eastland Lakes Dr.
Waco, TX76706
Wear warm layers of athletic clothing. We will be outside for a good portion of the day. Closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED (Crocs don't count).
2026 TLW Opening Retreat
8:00 Breakfast (Breakfast Tacos from Rudy's)
8:15 Class Intro – everything you need to know
10:00 Team Building with Baylor Staffers
12:00 Lunch (Raising Cane’s)
12:30 More Class Info
1:15 Challenge Course with Baylor Staffers
3:00 Daily Debrief & Survey
3:30 Dismiss
Challenge Course Info
During the orientation retreat, the class will work through a series of team-building exercises, including the challenge course elements.
If you'd like more information about Baylor's Challenge Course, you can find it here:
Challenge Course Preparation Information
For safety, you must wear closed-toe shoes. Crocs don't count.
Daily Debrief
The debrief portion of the class aims to help participants reflect on their Teen Leadership Waco experience each day.
In your assigned group of three ("triad"), use the provided metaphors to discuss today's experiences. Spend 20 minutes on this conversation. Afterwards, we'll regroup, and each triad will have the opportunity to share their insights with everyone.
February Triads:
| 1 | Cinco Salome | Kalin Vanderpool | Ezekiel Arroyo | Justin Bonge |
| 2 | Natasha Gartstein | Riyan Janek | Erica Deters | |
| 3 | Leighton Chatmas | Pedro Sandoval | Caleb Roberts | |
| 4 | Shep Barley | Holland Harp | Natalie Mitchell-Flores | |
| 5 | Carlie Ponton | Rory White | Landon Baker | |
| 6 | Carly Boothe | Campbell Oates | Kimber Kurtz | |
| 7 | Arabella Indergard | Ady Thomas | Zuly Barco | |
| 8 | August Ket | Aliz'E Vences | Cella Spiares | |
| 9 | Kaitlyn Pyle | Emma Clark-Martinez | Brianna Holloway | |
| 10 | James Scott | Landry Copeland | Hadlee Stein |
Link to photos
You can find photos from the retreat HERE.
March - Economic Development Day
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the major industries and economic drivers in Waco.
- Hear how entrepreneurs and business leaders take risks and innovate.
- Recognize the role of leadership in building a strong, sustainable economy.
Agenda and Dress Code
Economic Development Day
Dress Code: You will be given your TLW t-shirt when you arrive. Have a bag for the shirt you wear from home, so it does not get lost.
To keep safe on today's tours, you must wear:
-closed-toed shoes
-pants (not shorts or skirts)
-no jewelry
We will begin and end our day at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce.
8:00 Breakfast (kolaches and fruit)
8:10 Economic Development overview - Lexy Reil, Director of Economic Development, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
9:00 Leadership Panel: Young Entrepreneurs
Hob Howell, Start Up Waco
Eduardo Garcia, Helados La Azteca
Lucy Appel, Cen-Tex Lighting and Special Event Rental
Griffin Peavy, Reid Peevey Company LLC.
9:45 Economic Development in Waco - Jennifer Branch, Senior Economic Development Manager, City of Waco
10:30 Tour Uzin Utz
11:30 Tour Central Texas Iron Works
12:30 Lunch @ Shorty's Pizza + Voting for Class Officers
2:00 Tour The Worksite
3:00 Triad Discussions
3:30 Dismiss
3:35 Class Officer Meeting
Daily Debrief
March Triads:
| 1 | Natasha Gartstein | Ezekiel Arroyo | Zuly Barco | Cella Spiares |
| 2 | Leighton Chatmas | Rory White | Justin Bonge | |
| 3 | Shep Barley | Campbell Oates | Holland Harp | |
| 4 | Carlie Ponton | Natalie Mitchell-Flores | Hadlee Stein | |
| 5 | Carly Boothe | Riyan Janek | Kalin Vanderpool | |
| 6 | Arabella Indergard | Brianna Holloway | Landry Copeland | |
| 7 | August Ket | Ady Thomas | Erica Deters | |
| 8 | Kaitlyn Pyle | Pedro Sandoval | Landon Baker | |
| 9 | James Scott | Caleb Roberts | Aliz'E Vences | |
| 10 | Cinco Salome | Kimber Kurtz | Emma Clark-Martinez |
Presentations
Class Officer Elections
Below you'll see the brief campaign pitches for each candidate. Please read over them carefully. Make your vote based on these pitches, not your relationship with the candidate. Do your very best to be impartial to ensure we have the best qualified and/or most capable officers for our class.
President
This person needs to be a skilled communicator- one-on-one, public speaking, emails, and GroupMe. This person will rally the troops as the project leader for our class service project.
-Communicates from Rachel and to the class, but also from the class and to Rachel.
-Spearheads the class service project.
-Helps coordinate the logistics for graduation.
Leighton Chatmas: I believe that I would be an uplifting, supportive, dedicated and joyful president due to my past experiences in leadership roles. For example, this year I have served as one of the lead ambassadors at my school which includes meeting new perspective families, overseeing the whole ambassador program, and holding interviews for incoming am ambassadors. Secondly I was a junior cheer captain this year, and helped lead the cheer team through the season with a positive and encouraging attitude!
Bri Holloway: I want to be president of Teen Leadership Waco because not only am I passionate about helping and accurately representing others, but I am also highly committed to doing the best job possible. Being part of the Business Persons of America at Midway, I learned what it takes to gather input from others to create a cohesive effort with maximum productivity. Should I be chosen to lead such a group of leaders, I would make it my priority to hear from as many people as possible, which with my outgoing personality (as I am sure most of you have observed). Thank you for your consideration to be your president!!!
Campbell Oates: I am running for Teen Leadership Waco President because I want to serve this group and ensure that we have an amazing year. A little bit about myself: I am an officer for Midway’s Student Council, I play on the Varsity tennis team, and I tutor middle school students during the week. If elected I promise to advocate for you and ensure that every single one of your voices will be heard, especially when it comes to deciding the class service project. Thank You for your consideration.
James Scott: I believe I would make a great president because I already have experience in leadership roles as President of the Sophomores at Vanguard and also as President of the Sophomores of YMSL, where I volunteer with other Sophomores and their parents. I believe the most important quality a leader can have, though, is being a good listener. As President, I will work for you as well as with you to accomplish our goals.
Rory Jayne White: I think I would be a good advocate for president because I am involved with many organizations and clubs that have helped me create a good work ethic and taught me how to balance responsibility, while also including different personalities and perspectives. Through many years of leading I have gained communication skills and knowledge of commitment to tasks. I will use my role to effectively unify student and ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected, and I believe Teen Leadership is a great place for me to display these characteristics to support the success of the class of 2026.
Historian
It would be beneficial for this person to have some experience creating videos. Also, organization and communication skills would be helpful. They will curate the graduation slide show / video.
-Documents class days with photos and videos. Curates photos from other class members.
-Shares photos with Rachel for use in Leadership Waco's social media accounts.
-Creates a video or slideshow presentation for graduation.
Justin Bonge: I would love to be our class Historian. I have experience in documentation and graphic design through my schools newsletter company. I’m organized, creative, and dedicated to turning our leadership journey into a masterpiece of memories you’ll keep forever.
Carly Boothe: I think that I would be a great fit for Historian because I love compiling and editing videos! I did it all the time for my old church, recording and editing through a fun little app on my phone so I would say I’m thoroughly experienced. I can’t wait to meet all of you by taking videos and pictures throughout TLW and keeping the memories!
Erica Deters: I think I would be the best candidate for historian because I love taking photos and capturing memories! I also think I would be a great historian because I manage my club soccer Instagram page and my school Cross Country Instagram account.
Natalie Mitchell-Flores: I am a sophomore at Midway High School, and i play golf! I love talking to people, and I would love to have the pleasure of documenting our fun days!! Thank yall!!
Kaitlyn Pyle: I am currently on the yearbook staff at Vanguard, and my duties involve me to document social, club, and athletic events, including taking photographs, and providing pictures and written descriptions of these events to my yearbook staff advisor. Additionally, I am a volunteer leader in the Mayborn Teen Takeover program, which requires me to plan, document, and market one of the largest teen community outreach events that the Mayborn Museum holds twice a year. Finally, as part of my intern responsibilities in the marketing department at Baylor Law School last summer, I had the opportunity to summarize and post major events on the Baylor Law School social media platforms.
Cinco Salome: I think I’d be qualified for the role of historian because I am involved in the vanguard marketing program. I have learned valuable skills and have accumulated experience and knowledge from doing this. I will document and photograph everything with detail and will put effort and care into the work.
Pedro Sandoval: I’m a junior at Midway High School. I’m running for historian because I love capturing moments and video editing; I also have three years of experience creating and editing content for social media. I want to bring that creativity and consistency to TLW by documenting our class and creating a memorable graduation presentation!
Service Chair
This person needs to be organized to help keep the class members on track to achieve their required 28 service hours.
-Keeps record of class members' service hours.
-Helps class members to hit their goal of serving 28 hours each through accountability and recommending opportunities to the class.
Landon Baker: These three roles take a level of responsibility, leadership, and strong character. Growing up with five younger siblings has given me real experience developing these qualities and being a positive influence. Because of this, I believe I would be an effective and dependable volunteer chairman.
Natasha Gartstein: I’m running for Volunteer Chairperson because keeping people on track with service hours is something I already do. As president of Mu Alpha Theta, I recently started making a spreadsheet to track other members’ service hours and make sure everyone meets the required number to stay in the club. I’d bring that same system here to keep everyone organized, accountable, and on track to hit the 28-hour goal without stress.
Arabella Indergard: I think that I would be qualified because I am a very organized person! I organize and keep track of my schedule of my sign business and I feel like I could put that skill to use by keeping track of everybody’s volunteer hours as the volunteer chairperson!
Cella Spiares: You should vote for me for volunteer chairperson because I am extremely qualified and dedicated to TLW!! I am involved in my schools NHS, student council, I'm the manager for China Spring's drill team, I've had multiple jobs, and I've taken accounting for two years so I am familiar with numbers and excel! Overall, I am very qualified for this position with all of my experience in different leadership organizations/positions and I would be so grateful to be this years volunteer chairperson and help everyone get their hours in!!
Ady Thomas: I would love to be your volunteer chairperson. I am very organized and detail-oriented, so I think this is a job that I would excel in and help our class. I know that I will effectively and efficiently keeps all of our volunteer time organized.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
