The Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders Foundation recognized 24 children, students, and young men and women during its second annual banquet last month at the C.C. McCray City Auditorium.
The honorees were selected as part of the celebration’s “24 Under 24: Up-and-Coming Leaders of Waycross” to honor the late U.S. Army soldier’s life. Sgt. Kennedy was 24 when she was killed January 28, 2024 in a drone attack on her unit’s base in Jordan.
In her memory, the foundation and her family, headed by parents Shawn and Oneida Oliver Sanders, selected 24 outstanding young leaders from the Waycross area who represent the promise and potential of the community.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp saluted the foundation’s young leaders with a video message.
Following is the alphabetical list of the first “24 Under 24” honorees:
• Destinee Allgood: A standout scholar and leader who excels in music, mentoring, and community service through organizations like Beta Club and National Honor Society. With academic honors including the Georgia Certificate of Merit and a goal to become an OB-GYN, she is committed to improving women’s health in Waycross.
• Jayden Boggs: A military service member and community mentor who promotes morale and literacy through inclusive events and outreach. He plans a military career, eventually becoming a criminal defense attorney while continuing youth mentorship.
• Matthew Lawton Davis: Combines academic excellence with active leadership in school clubs and athletics. With more than 150 volunteer hours and a goal to inspire others, he uses every platform to promote service and confidence.
• Jada Evans: A highachieving scholar-athlete and mentor who leads in academics, cheerleading, and church ministries. She will attend Kennesaw State University on a cheer scholarship, aiming to increase black female representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and inspire future leaders.
• Javonte Evans: A resilient athlete and servant-leader who turned injury into purpose by mentoring others and founding a school spirit club. He plans to study kinesiology at Georgia Military College, combining athletic support with youth mentorship.
• Akeem Gibson: A middle school honor student recognized for leadership in academics, service, and extracurricular activities. He balances roles in Student Council, athletics, and band while volunteering at community events.
• Heidi Howard: A scholar-athlete and community advocate who founded a literacy initiative to improve reading access. With a 4.0 GPA and athletic accolades, she is committed to promoting education and service in Waycross.
• Kaylee Hunt: A parole officer who helps probationers rebuild their lives through education, employment, and mental health services. She also leads volunteer drives and holiday giving initiatives.
• Derick Jenkins: A student leader in music and business who mentors peers and serves on multiple junior boards. His experience in family business and service projects reflects his commitment to leadership and uplifting others.
• Kevin Lin: A service- oriented student leader involved in Futer Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Beta Club, and statewide education advisory councils. He has completed more than 100 service hours and aspires to pursue a career in healthcare.
• Dauntiara Lewis: A youth changemaker who founded mentorship and service programs focused on empowerment and civic engagement. Her initiatives uplift youth through workshops, voter drives, and leadership training.
• Juan Manabat: A top-ranking student and state FBLA officer who leads in multiple organizations while excelling in academics and athletics. With more than 100 service hours and plans to pursue pharmacy, he blends leadership and care for community impact.
• Artezah Reed: A student leader known for making others feel empowered through school spirit and volunteer service. She plans to pursue physical therapy to continue helping and uplifting those around her.
• Jada Roberts: A youth entrepreneur and mental health advocate who founded a leadership platform offering workshops, podcasts, and scholarships. She will pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology to expand trauma-informed care and access in schools and communities.
• Natalie Scheuing: A faith-centered leader involved in cheerleading, church, and various community service events. Recognized with the Caleb Tyre Rising Star Award, she inspires others with her joyful service and compassion.
• Cayden Smith: A student entrepreneur and leader in DECA (Distributive Education Club of America) and service clubs who uses personal loss to fuel her mission. She hopes to launch a business that funds mental health awareness and support for grieving youth.
• Donovan Spears: A dedicated student, musician, and mentor committed to opioid awareness and community service who tragically died in a car accident this summer. He leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and academic ambition.
• Conleigh Steedley: A top academic achiever and active volunteer in school and community service. She plans to become a veterinarian and provide compassionate care while continuing service to others.
• Maria Tellez: A scholar and healthcarefocused leader active in Beta Club, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and multiple junior boards. Certified in nursing and CPR, she seeks to use her clinical and leadership skills to promote health equity.
• Dreama Tuell: An English teacher and club sponsor who guides students in service and leadership through literature and civic projects. With a passion for fostering empathy and engagement, she continues to support student growth while pursuing a Master’s degree.
• Harlen Valentine: A photographer, media professional and event organizer whose leadership at the Waycross Airport has boosted tourism and community engagement. Through storytelling and volunteerism, she uplifts Southeast Georgia’s heritage and youth.
• Mia Washington: A creative elementary leader who excels in academics, art, and community service. Despite a sickle cell diagnosis, she inspires others through entrepreneurship, Girl Scouts, and volunteer work.
• Kingsley Rivers Wesley: A gifted young student and entrepreneur who combines academic success with broad extracurricular interests. She uses her talents to lead charitable initiatives and hopes to pursue a variety of careers grounded in compassion and creativity.
• Carlie White: A student leader and event organizer who heads Beta Club and FBLA service projects while mentoring peers. With top academic and service awards, she aims to become a corporate attorney focused on youth advocacy.
• Jada Young: A dedicated leader in educationfocused clubs who advocates for inclusive classrooms and educational equity. She plans to become a special education teacher and use her leadership skills to support all learners.
The foundation’s third banquet will be at 6 p.m., June 26, 2026 at the auditorium.
Oneida Oliver Sanders (far right), mother of the late Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders, is with the Sanders Foundation’s first group of “24 Under 24: Up-and-Coming Leaders of Waycross” honored during the foundation’s second annual banquet last month at the C.C. McCray City Auditorium.
