Class of 2026 Education Day Recap

Education Day with Leadership Augusta was one of those whirlwind days where you look back and think, “Wow—we really did it all." We kicked things off at The HUB for Community Innovation, grabbing breakfast before touring the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center. We got a great overview of Augusta’s literacy landscape and the community partnerships working hard to support young readers. The efforts to help our most at‑risk students are clearly paying off, and it was inspiring to hear how the science of reading is shaping programs across schools and community groups.

Next up was a lively education leadership panel featuring a fantastic lineup from K–12, higher ed, and technical education. They opened with “This or That” questions (because of course the pineapple‑on‑pizza debate is the perfect icebreaker). The panel included:

The conversation covered their leadership journeys, the challenges facing schools and colleges, and the bold ideas they’d love to see take shape in the next five years. A major theme came through loud and clear: Augusta’s educational community is aligned, collaborative, and genuinely committed to working together. The positive energy among the panelists was unmistakable. We also heard from classmates about exciting things happening at Augusta University—new projects that will expand and enrich Augusta’s educational landscape.

Then it was off to Reaching Potential Through Manufacturing (RPM), where a tour, program overview, and an honest, heartfelt student panel gave us a powerful look at how academic and workforce training is truly changing lives. Many were surprised (and impressed!) to learn that RPM’s original vision was sparked through Leadership Augusta. It was a great reminder of the program’s real impact on the community.

The momentum kept going at Augusta Technical College, Friend of Leadership Augusta sponsor for the class day, where we toured hands‑on learning spaces and got a closer look at the many pathways available for students eager to jump into high‑demand careers. Several class members had never been on campus, and seeing the facilities firsthand really highlighted the value of technical education.

At the Boys & Girls Club, we got a fun look at the activities offered to local youth. A competitive game of Fruit Bowl broke out with lots of laughter and lots of chaos. We also learned that Tom is suspiciously good at identifying a murder!

We wrapped up the day with a mocktail class at Augusta Locally Grown, which showed how community partners help support education, engagement, and even food‑based learning throughout the region. We also got a peek at how start‑ups use HUB resources to grow—and tasted some very delicious Will’s Dills. By the end of the day, everyone left with full hearts, full minds, and a deeper appreciation for the passion, creativity, and collaboration fueling Augusta’s educational ecosystem.

Written by Aletha Snowberger, Class of 2026