Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538147
We spotlight who is making waves in Macon during all walks of life, from students in school to engaging elders. L E A D E R S T H R O U G H T H E L I F E S P A N PHOTOS BY JESSICA WHITLEY F or 25 years, Macon Magazine has celebrated the energy and innovation of our city's rising stars through our annual 5 Under 40 Young Leaders feature (see pg. 41). It began with a simple conviction: that Macon's young changemakers deserved recognition not just for their potential, but for the groundbreaking impact they were already making. This year, we're expanding the lens. In honor of the 25th anniversary, we're building something bigger. After years of encouragement from our community, with readers asking staff – "Why not feature older leaders? What about students?" – we took our time to design a process that would do justice to the full span of leadership in Macon. We developed a thoughtful nomination and selection system, mindful of asking stakeholders and examining a range of leadership practices. For the first time, we're expanding our spotlight to include leaders across generations: students just beginning to break ground, college-aged changemakers laying a strong foundation, midlife leaders digging into their passions, and elders whose deep investment continues to shape the skyline of our city's future. Whether they're picking up a shovel for the first time or laying down stones for the next generation, each is proof that there's no expiration date (or starting line) for making a difference. These amazing kids were nominated by their principals as standouts in sports, smarts, and soul. We asked them what values and accomplishments guide them as they grow: Y O U T H O N T H E R I S E Under 18 CJ Story M O U N T D E S A L E S A C A D E M Y I'm going into my senior year. I'm just proud of myself for taking the initiative to be a part of different communities like theatre, football, math team, Beta Club, National Honor Society. They offer so much, and I'm proud I've taken what's given to me. The values guiding me are leadership, humbleness, and the ability to connect with others. It's not always about me, but about the bigger whole. I know challenges are going to come, and I try to face them head on. This year I'm hoping to start my senior practicum in civil engineering. I've applied to a couple different engineering firms. I want to keep my GPA up, win another award for theatre, and win state with our regional competition team. 52 maconmagazine.com | August/September 2025