Leadership Germantown Celebrates 30 Years with 30 Acts of Service

The Leadership Germantown Class of 2026 is marking a milestone year in a big way.

As the program’s 30th class, this group has committed to completing 30 service projects across the community, a meaningful expansion from the traditional single class project. The goal is simple: make a lasting impact, one project at a time.

And for Germantown Municipal School District, that impact is already taking shape.

With Houston High School Principal Hallie Ross, Instructional Supervisor Dr. Lara Charbonnet, Germantown Education Foundation Executive Director Joni Hester, and GEF Board Chair Clark Kelman all part of this year’s class, it’s no surprise that many of the projects are centered around Houston High.

The first project is already underway inside the future Stang Studios space. Class members rolled up their sleeves to demolish original 1989 cabinetry in what was once a functional skills classroom. That space, previously used for life and home skills instruction, was relocated two years ago. Now, it’s being transformed into a state-of-the-art print shop and digital design studio, and the outdated kitchen setup was the first to go.

Beyond campus improvements, Leadership Germantown members have also stepped in to support students directly. Several participants volunteered their time and even opened their workplaces for Houston High’s Mustang Career Summit and job shadowing day, helping students explore real-world career pathways.

And they’re just getting started.

The Class of 2026 has pledged a wide range of additional projects, including hosting six Career Chats for students, spray painting and refreshing 100 posts across campus, updating signage, revitalizing the courtyard between the main and annex buildings, and giving trophy cases a much-needed refresh, with more ideas still in motion.

For 30 years, Leadership Germantown has developed leaders who invest in this community in meaningful, hands-on ways. This year’s class is honoring that legacy not with one project, but with 30.

And Houston High School is already seeing the difference.