Carrollton High junior Mason Scoville is pictured at his recent graduation from Youth LEAD Georgia, marking the end of the yearlong leadership development program.
CARROLLTON, GA — Carrollton High School junior Mason Scoville recently graduated from the 2025 Youth LEAD Georgia cohort—a prestigious leadership development program supported by the University of Georgia, Chick-fil-A, The Same House, and Regions Bank. At the program’s conclusion, Mason was one of nine graduates named a Bullard Community Champion, allowing him to extend his knowledge and skills to directly impact the Carrollton area, starting with a local nonprofit afterschool program, Molding Passionate Active Creative Kids (M-PACK).
As one of 30 students selected to participate in the 2025 Youth LEAD cohort, Mason learned from experts at the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, who aim to build the knowledge and skills of future Georgia leaders, in partnership with The Same House organization and Chick-fil-A Inc. The year-long program is designed to provide experiential learning activities and training focused on citizenship curriculum and the importance of community involvement. With each session held at a different location around the state, students gain a deeper understanding of Georgia and how leadership decisions affect communities.
“From Youth LEAD Georgia, I learned a lot about the state of Georgia and its global significance,” said Mason. “I also learned how I can be more of a leader in my community and how I can positively impact those around me.”
By fostering a deeper understanding of Georgia’s unique challenges and opportunities, the program empowers the next generation to become effective leaders. Inspired by what he learned, Mason chose to direct his attention to a cause close to home.
Program graduates were invited to apply to become Bullard Community Champions, requiring students to create a plan that addressed a community need with the support of a local partner. Mason’s proposal was selected, and he was one of only nine graduates honored as a Bullard Community Champion. He received a grant from Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, and Regions Bank to support his project for Carrollton’s M-PACK nonprofit.
“I wanted to support M-PACK and their mission because I want to help youth in my community with adverse experiences grow and develop their skills and abilities,” said Mason.
Working in collaboration with M-PACK, Mason will utilize grant funds to implement the proposal and purchase new pieces of equipment and supplies for chess, cooking, and golf lessons for students to use at the afterschool program. They will also build a new outdoor deck at M-PACK’s facility through this funding.
Initiatives like Youth LEAD Georgia play a vital role by providing teenagers with the leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities necessary to become effective change-makers within their communities and across the state. Carrollton High School encourages students to participate in such programs.
“I am proud of the exceptional work Mason has done through Youth LEAD Georgia, and the positive impact he will continue to make in our community,” said CHS Principal Ian Lyle. “At CHS, we encourage students to participate in leadership programs that help them further develop their skills, take initiative, and become more confident and active leaders within our school and beyond.”
