Woodville-Tompkins Student Named a 21st Century Leader

Woodville-Tompkins Technical & Career High School student Leilanie Singleton is one of 21 high school students state-wide to receive the 2026 Georgia Youth Leadership Award for Emerging Leaders this year.  Serving more than 2,750 students annually, 21CL connects Georgia’s high school students with year‑round leadership development, career exploration and mentorship opportunities. The Georgia Youth Leadership Awards highlight the transformative impact of these programs and the students who are already leading change across the state. Leilanie competed with hundreds of students across Georgia to be selected for the recognition. Students are paired with distinguished community leaders and Atlanta Business Chronicle 40 Under 40 alumni who serve as their coaches throughout the award season.

Each year, 21CL recognizes 21 exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, and impact in their schools and communities. This year’s awardees include nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, advocates and volunteers who embody the organization’s core values of resilience, inclusion, innovation and service. The students were selected by a 23‑member committee of business leaders, 21CL board members, corporate volunteers, alumni and student peers.

Currently a junior at Woodville-Tompkins, Leilanie served over 100 students in middle and high school annually with virtual cultural exploration and community-building programs for 3 years. She advocates for youth mental health through the Silence The Shame organization and designed a T-shirt to raise funds for the cause. In addition, she is committed to decreasing health disparities in her community and has already been donned with her white coat through demonstrated service and growth under Memorial Health and Mercer University. Leilanie was coached/mentored by Paula Lett of Wellstar Health Systems

The selected students will be presented with awards at the organization’s Be the Inspiration Gala on March 21, 2026, at Zoo Atlanta. Each student will receive a $500 grant, with one honoree earning the Warner Bros. Discovery Student Leadership Award and a $1,000 grant from the presenting sponsor.

About 21st Century Leaders:

Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has empowered more than 20,000 high school students from 95% of Georgia’s counties. The organization’s mission is to connect, transform, and inspire students from diverse backgrounds to explore careers, embrace leadership, and prepare for the workforce.