Junior Leadership, Class of 2026: Opening Retreat

On Sunday, August 24th, under beautiful weather, 92 juniors convened for the opening session of Junior Leadership Medina County—our largest class to date. The program continues to expand, fostering the development of young leaders across the county.

The session was hosted at the Medina County Parks & Water & Soil Conservation District (MCSWD), where students participated in three expert-led, hands-on stations:

• Bug Catching: Exploring local ecosystems and the diversity of insect life.
• Green Infrastructure: Learning about sustainable solutions for water management and environmental protection.
• Watershed Education: Understanding the role of local waterways and how individuals can positively impact the environment.

In addition to the educational stations, students engaged in team-building and “getting to know you” activities, promoting collaboration, communication, and peer connections at Buffalo Creek Retreat, courtesy of Medina County Park District.

We sincerely thank Medina County Parks & Water & Soil Conservation for hosting and supporting this enriching experience.

The day set a positive tone for the year ahead and highlighted this exceptional group of students’ dedication, enthusiasm, and potential.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Junior Leadership Day, we are seeking lunch and bus sponsors. Please contact Gabi Wells at gabi.wells@leadershipmedinacounty.org.

Junior Leadership Medina County looks forward to another year of growth, learning, and leadership development.