DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ELECTED AS TEEN PRESIDENT FOR JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA’S SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

WASHINGTON D.C. – Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is pleased to announce the 2016-2017 National Teen Board, which consist of seven high school seniors poised to display their leadership skills while serving their communities. Among the new teen board is Peyton-Bell Hunter from Dallas.

 Peyton Bell-Hunter proudly serves the South Central Region as teen president from the Dallas Chapter. Bell-Hunter is a senior at Hillcrest High School. Throughout her 16 years at Jack and Jill, she has held several leadership positions within the chapter and faithfully participates in philanthropy through Jack and Jill, the National Honor Society and cheerleading, where she leads her team as the varsity cheer captain.

Each board member was elected by a group of peers at the regional teen conferences held across the nation. The teen president selection process included being nominated by their peers and campaigning for their position.  The nominees create campaign materials, produce a display and deliver campaign speeches to the respective chapters within their regions. Once elected, their duties consist of appointing other respected officers, presiding over meetings, leading teen fundraising efforts for Jack and Jill of America Foundation and planning teen conferences. Teen presidents also serve as a page for the annual Jack and Jill of America National Convention and the National Legislative Summit.

“We remain committed to developing the leaders of the future by ensuring they have a variety of

hands-on leadership opportunities, our job is to guide and coach them on the tenants of great leadership.” says National President Joli Cooper-Nelson, “Jack and Jill of America is proud to be a part of their journey of self-discovery and leadership development.”

These elected teen officials are well accomplished in their academic, community and volunteer service. Each teen president leads and inspires his or her chapter and regional members in a unique way.

Below are the names & profiles of the  other 2016-2017 National Teen Board of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.:

Jordyn Blythe is the teen president for the Central Region. She is from the Bloomington/Normal Chapter in Bloomington, Illinois. At University High School, Blythe is involved in band, theater, chorus and debate. Two years ago, Blythe spoke at a TedxYouth event discussing youth leadership. She is passionate about philanthropic giving and civic duty and encourages others around her to become involved.

Wesley Tillman is the Southeastern Region’s teen president from the Columbus, GA Chapter and has been an active member since 2002. Tillman served as the immediate past president and has made his mark in the community through multiple organizations. He is a part of the National Honor Society, National Honor Society of High School Scholars, Brookstone Leadership Council and lastly, a lettered track and football athlete. In his spare time, he deejays for social gatherings and events under his stage name, “DJ WesTside.”

Prior to becoming the Mid-Atlantic Region teen president, Hunter Martin held the position as vice president and parliamentarian for her Raleigh-Wake Chapter in Raleigh, North Carolina, She is a senior at Young Women’s Leadership Academy, an all women early college. At school she plays varsity lacrosse and is involved in student government and community outreach programs. Outside of the classroom, she works as a team member for Chick-fil-A.

Morgan Smith is the Far West Region teen president from the Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley Chapter. She attends West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch, California. In her senior year, she has memberships in the Future Doctors Association, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Science Olympiad. Smith aspires to obtain a pilot’s license and one day, become an astronaut.

Maya Long is the Eastern Region teen president from the Arundel Bay Area Chapter. She is a senior at Arundel Senior High School in Odenton, Maryland. As she heads into her senior year, she plans to attend Hampton University and earn a law degree. Jack and Jill helped Long gain confidence in public speaking.

Kellen Love is a senior at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, Illinois. He is a member of the Western Cook County Chapter. Through his membership at Jack and Jill, he has developed a strong network of mentors, role models and friends. Love prides himself on his achievements in the classroom and on the field. In his chapter, he is known for his high energy, work ethic and self-motivation.

About Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is an organization founded in 1938 with the mission of nurturing future African American leaders by stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers. Through its 235 chapters organized in seven regions across the United States, the organization consists of more than 30,000 family members which includes, mother members, fathers and children ages two through 19. Jack and Jill of America Chapters also support non-profit organizations through its philanthropic arm, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, among the first foundations established by African American families in the United States. Since its founding in 1968, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation has granted millions of dollars to worthy causes supporting children and families.

To learn more about Jack and Jill of America, Inc., please visit www.jackandjillinc.org.