Valdosta City Schools welcomed the Leadership Lowndes Class of 2026 and Leadership Lowndes Board to Valdosta High School on Thursday, September 17, for an energetic, student-centered start to Education Day.
Built around the theme “From First Bell to Future Ready: The VCS Journey,” the experience allowed community leaders to hear directly from students about the programs, people and opportunities that prepare them for success.
Guests were greeted by the VHS Marchin’ Cats, cheerleaders, NJROTC and elementary students holding handmade “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…” signs. Inside the VHS Rotunda, the chorus performed the alma mater before Mrs. Eleshia A. Turner, the newly named 2026–2027 Valdosta City Schools Teacher of the Year, officially welcomed the group.
Elementary and middle school students shared firsthand how their classroom experiences are helping them discover their interests and prepare for the future. District administrators also introduced guests to the flexible learning opportunities available through Valdosta Virtual Academy and the career-focused pathways offered through WIN College and Career Academy.
Leadership Lowndes members then participated in student-led Career, Technical and Agricultural Education showcases at VHS before making their way to the new Indoor Multipurpose Facility. Because the facility serves as the home of our daily Feed the Cats program, it was only fitting that we fed our Leadership Lowndes guests there as well. The group enjoyed Breakfast in a Cup while learning more about the facility and the opportunities it provides for students.
Throughout the morning, guests also learned about the district’s continued investments in student opportunities, including improvements to the VHS soccer, flag football and track facility, the new Indoor Multipurpose Facility, the Culinary Arts addition and the new Valdosta City Schools Central Office.
The visit concluded with a VHS student sharing what it means to be a Wildcat, followed by one of our elementary students thoroughly explaining The 3V Way: Vision, Values and Victory. Their words provided the perfect conclusion to a morning designed to tell the complete Valdosta City Schools story through the voices of our students.
Leadership Lowndes later received another look at Valdosta City Schools through its visit to WIN College and Career Academy at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.Thank you to every student, teacher, administrator and staff member who helped showcase the full K–12 journey. Our students gave these community leaders many reasons to BelieVe in the V!