Jeremy Burwell, Jr. participates in Junior National Young Leaders Conference

Special to The Clinton Courier

This summer, Jeremy Burwell, Jr. of Clinton joined outstanding students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career-oriented development experience, the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. There, he learned about congressional and presidential processes, worked with peers on a civic engagement project, toured numerous historical landmarks and attractions in Washington, D.C., and learned leadership qualities and techniques from motivational speaker Anthony Robles. Robles, the keynote speaker, won the 2010–11 NCAA individual wrestling championship in the 125-pound weight class, despite being born with only one leg.

The Junior National Young Leaders Conference is one of the Envision by WorldStrides family of programs that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Burwell, who is eleven years old, was nominated by his sixth-grade teacher, Amy Bambera, to represent Clinton Christian Academy (CCA). Burwell excelled at CCA; he was promoted to a higher grade in the middle of an academic year and earned all A’s each term. He also earned top academic honors at his sixth-grade graduation. Aside from academic accomplishments, Burwell’s teachers say he exhibits serious leadership potential and is highly respected by his peers.

Burwell’s interests include being an artist, gaming YouTuber and avid reader. He holds a second-degree black belt in TaeKwonDo. He is also an active member of Faith Christian Center Ministries of Utica, where he has led Bible study lessons. When asked about future goals, Burwell says he desires to graduate from high school early, so he can focus on his career interests at Mississippi State University. He aspires to be an aerospace engineer.