Young leaders show that Bay County's future is bright
Our Future Is Bright!
One of the things I love most about my role at the Bay County Chamber of Commerce is that it's always fun, challenging, and meaningful. But every now and then, it also gives me the gift of real inspiration — and this week was one of those special moments.
On April 14, we had the privilege of celebrating an exceptional group of high school students as they graduated from our eight-month Junior Leadership Bay Program. Their passion, confidence and heart were nothing short of inspiring, and they left me with an overwhelming sense of hope. These students are more than just impressive — they are the leaders of tomorrow, and after getting to know them this year, I can say with confidence that our future is in good hands.
I was equally moved by the support system surrounding these students. Success never happens in isolation — it's shaped by the encouragement of families, mentors, teachers, and a community that invests in them and believes in their potential. This "village" stood behind them every step of the way.
During the ceremony, we had the honor of hearing powerful words from Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen and Dr. Irvin Clark, associate dean of student & strategic initiatives at Florida State University. They spoke about what it truly means to lead and the responsibility that leadership carries. I have no doubt the parents in the room, myself included, were listening just as closely as the students.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when we awarded scholarship funds to a remarkable young woman, Angellee "Angie" Garcia-Velazquez, a student at Rosenwald High School. These scholarships will help her take her next steps toward Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City.
What made this moment so unforgettable was the reaction from her classmates. The room filled with cheers and heartfelt applause. You see, Angie isn't just a dedicated student — she's also a teen mom to a beautiful 3-year-old daughter. Her classmates understood that this journey wasn't just about leadership or personal growth, it was about creating a better future — not only for herself but for her child.
Angie is a quiet but powerful force, both in her school and in the community. She's faced every challenge with resilience and grace, turning obstacles into stepping stones. Her strength and determination have been nothing short of inspiring to everyone who's had the privilege to meet her.
As I reflect on these past eight months, I'm reminded that we set out to achieve clear goals with this program — and we did. But what stands out even more is the deeper lesson that emerged: true leadership isn't just about the path you carve for yourself, it's about lifting others up along the way — respecting, supporting, and celebrating those around you.
That's the kind of graduation gift that stays with you, and it was the perfect reminder of why our future truly is bright.
Patrick W. Chapin, President/CEO Bay County Chamber of Commerce
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County's future is bright, as young leaders show | Letter
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