WestStar Leadership Program

RisingStar registration is OPEN! 🥳

Register your upcoming high school seniors for the Vaughn RisingStar Youth Summit, taking place on July 30-31, 2026!This event equips students with leadership skills, college readiness, and career insights, all while staying in UT Martin’s dorms for a real college experience.

💵 Registration Fee: $120 (Covers lodging, meals, swag, & t-shirt!)
📅 Deadline: July 17
🔗 Register Today!
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21608_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1681&FROMQRCODE=true&SINGLESTORE=true

🌟Please spread the word and help us make this opportunity available to all eligible students! For questions and additional registration materials, contact Jennifer Smiley at [email protected] or 731-881-7298.

Congratulations to the WestStar Leadership Class of 2026 on your graduation this evening!

Over the past year, this exceptional group of leaders has demonstrated a deep commitment to learning, collaboration, service, and the continued growth of West Tennessee.

We are proud to welcome 16 outstanding educators from across West Tennessee into this year's cohort 🎉! Representing Pre-K through 12th grade classrooms, assistant principals, athletic directors, and school administrators, these dedicated professionals share a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and making a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.

Throughout the coming months, these participants will engage in meaningful discussions, explore regional industries and community partnerships, and gain new perspectives on the connection between education, commerce, and community. Together, they will strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and discover innovative ways to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Please join us in congratulating the WestTeach Class of 2026 as they embark on this exciting leadership journey! 🍎🌟

What an incredible day at the 2026 Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence! 🌟

Leaders from across West Tennessee came together for a day filled with inspiration, meaningful conversations, professional growth, and powerful connections. From the moment attendees arrived, the energy in the room reflected the conference theme of Excellence in Leadership, Service, and Action.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, explored new ideas, shared experiences, and connected with fellow leaders who are making a difference in their communities, organizations, and professions. The conference served as a reminder that leadership is not just about positions or titles; it is about creating impact, serving others, and inspiring positive change.

🌟A special thank you to our emcee Dr. Darlette Samuels, whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and engaging presence helped guide the day and create an unforgettable experience. We are also incredibly grateful for the dedicated planning committee, speakers, and supporters who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible.

Most importantly, thank you to every attendee who invested their time and energy into growing as a leader and contributing to the conversations that made this year's conference so meaningful. Your passion for serving others and striving for excellence is what makes events like this so impactful.

We leave this year's conference inspired, energized, and ready to put ideas into action. Thank you for helping make the 2026 Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence a tremendous success. Until next year! 💙✨

Huge thank you to the sponsors who helped make the WestStar Leadership Class of 2026 Henry County Session such a meaningful and successful experience. Through your generosity and support, participants were able to engage in valuable conversations, immersive tours, and leadership experiences focused on tourism, economic development, hospitality, and community growth throughout West Tennessee.

💙 Henry County Session Sponsors
⭐ State Farm
⭐ Bradley Farms
⭐ Paris BPU
⭐ City of Paris, Tennessee
⭐ Lakeway Nutrition
⭐ Tosh Farms
⭐ Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce

Your commitment to investing in leadership and regional progress plays an important role in shaping the future of West Tennessee! Thank you for supporting opportunities that encourage collaboration, innovation, and the continued development of leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.

Our mood ever since this year's Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence: all smiles, great energy, meaningful connections, and memories we’ll be talking about for a long time!🌟

What an impactful day celebrating leadership, community, and excellence alongside so many amazing people across West Tennessee. Stay tuned for more moments from this unforgettable day!

Another impactful session in the books for the WestStar Leadership Class of 2026! 🌟

This week, the class traveled to Henry County for an engaging two-day session centered around Tourism as a Catalyst for Rural Economic Growth. Throughout the session, class members explored how tourism, recreation, strategic partnerships, and community collaboration can serve as powerful drivers for economic development and long-term success in rural communities across West Tennessee.

The class heard from a great lineup of local leaders, business owners, economic development professionals, and WestStar alumni who shared valuable insight into the importance of preserving community identity while creating opportunities for growth and innovation. Class members also gained firsthand knowledge through visits and tours across Henry County, including Paris Landing, Downtown Paris, Paris Station, the Henry County Airport, and the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.

🌟A special thank you to all of our speakers, sponsors, hosts, community partners, and WestStar alumni who invested their time, knowledge, and hospitality into this experience. Your commitment to leadership and regional growth continues to inspire and strengthen the future of West Tennessee!

Great leadership is not built in a single moment. It is developed through growth, consistency, service, and the continual commitment to strive for excellence every day.

Tomorrow, we are excited to gather for the Evelyn C. Robertson Jr. Conference of Excellence for a powerful day of leadership, connection, and meaningful conversation with leaders from across West Tennessee as we continue striving for excellence in our communities, organizations, and personal leadership journeys!🌟

Leadership often requires stepping away from comfort, certainty, and what’s familiar. Growth happens when you trust your vision enough to move forward, even when the next chapter is unknown. The strongest leaders are willing to take risks, embrace change, and lead with courage toward something greater!🌟

Great conversations, familiar faces, and even sweeter connections at the Strawberry Festival WestStar Reception 🍓🌟 It was so good seeing members of our WestStar family and reconnecting with several WestStar and WestTeach alumni throughout the evening.

A special thank you to Shane and Libby Lynch for hosting such a wonderful reception and creating a space for alumni and friends to come together. Moments like these remind us how strong the WestStar network truly is!