Lead, Advocate, & Succeed
Announcing the Junior Leaders Academy Class of 2027!
Hardy "Tre" Carter III of Pattonville Heights Middle School, Pattonville School District
Gabrielle Cunningham of Barrington Elementary School, Hazelwood School District
Anna Downs of Pattonville Heights Middle School, Pattonville School District
Wade Hanna of VSP Bayer Chesterfield, Special School District
Jacion Henderson of Brittany Woods Middle School, University City School District
Serenity McCoy of Valley Park Middle School, Valley Park School District
Kameron Richardson of Holman Middle School, Pattonville School District
Kensley Stone of Truman Middle School, Lindbergh School District
About the Junior Leaders Academy
For more than a decade, the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy has empowered high school students with disabilities to grow into confident, capable leaders. Graduates develop skills in advocacy, public speaking, and project management — and many go on to become leaders in their schools and communities.
Building on that proven success, the Special Education Foundation is proud to launch a new pilot initiative: the Junior Leaders Academy, designed specifically for middle school students with disabilities.
Middle school is a pivotal time when self-discovery, independence, and self-advocacy begin to take shape. By reaching students earlier, this program helps them:
- Build self-confidence and independence
- Strengthen communication and teamwork skills
- Learn creative problem-solving strategies
- Navigate academic and social challenges
- Develop a sense of belonging and community
Through three interactive sessions held during the 2026–2027 school year, students will visit local businesses in the community and participate in hands-on workshops and collaborative projects that encourage personal growth and leadership development.
Program Outcomes
Participants in the Junior Leaders Academy will:
- Gain confidence in speaking, sharing ideas, and taking initiative
- Strengthen communication and teamwork skills
- Develop self-advocacy and problem-solving abilities
- Experience a greater sense of belonging in their school communities
- Be better prepared for a smoother transition to high school and beyond
By empowering students at an earlier stage, SEF is helping them discover their voices, build meaningful connections, and take the first steps toward becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
From the Newsroom
Building on the success of the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy for high school students, the Junior Leaders Academy empowers middle school students with disabilities to grow as confident, capable leaders.
We’re looking for students who are eager to learn, collaborate, and curious to challenge themselves in new ways. Whether it’s a student who shows natural leadership, excels in teamwork, or has a drive to succeed, we encourage them to apply for these transformative experiences.
Building on the success of the proven model, the Special Education Foundation is proud to launch a new pilot initiative—the Junior Leaders Academy, designed specifically for incoming 6th–8th grade students.
Supported by PricewaterhouseCoopers
