Created by Christina Snell, Brian Dingus, and Christy Justice as part of the Scott County Leadership Program, the Leadership Program Website is a lasting resource designed to showcase the spirit, achievements, and ongoing impact of local leadership in Scott County.

Built to connect the community with the program’s mission, the website highlights past projects, celebrates participant achievements, and provides future leaders with a clear path to get involved. It serves as a dynamic platform to honor the work of previous classes while inspiring a new generation to step forward and lead.

By strengthening access to information and deepening community engagement, the Leadership Program Website stands as a foundation for continued service, connection, and pride in the region we call home.

The Program deepened my understanding of both the opportunities and the complexities of community planning. It equipped me with the insight to lead meaningful initiatives, and helped me recognize the many ways we can create a lasting, positive impact in Scott County.

Created by Amy Hill, Emily Bishop, and Renda Keith as part of the Scott County Leadership Program, Sow Kind is a grassroots initiative designed to cultivate community, connection, and sustainability through the power of seeds.

Hosted at the Lonesome Pine Regional Library in Gate City, Sow Kind offers a free, accessible seed-sharing program that encourages local residents to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Community members can “borrow” seeds, grow their plants, and return seeds at the end of the season—creating a cycle of generosity and growth.

The project promotes food security, gardening education, and a deeper appreciation for the natural resources of Southwest Virginia. By sowing kindness and sharing abundance, Sow Kind aims to nurture not only gardens, but relationships and resilience throughout the region.

The Amazing Life of Honeybees & Pollinator Flowers
By Justin Manuel, Ashley Wilson, Courtney Farmer, and Nancy Light

As part of the Scott County Leadership Program, this project brings to life the vital role that pollinators—especially honeybees—play in our ecosystem, agriculture, and everyday lives.

Through two engaging presentations—“The Amazing Life of Honeybees” and “Pollinator Flowers”—the team aims to educate and inspire the community to protect and support pollinator populations. The first presentation dives into the complex and fascinating world of honeybees, exploring their life cycle, behaviors, and importance to biodiversity. The second highlights the beauty and impact of pollinator-friendly plants, offering practical tips for creating vibrant gardens that nourish bees, butterflies, and other essential species.

Together, these educational tools serve as a call to action for conservation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Whether you’re a student, gardener, or nature lover, this project will help you see the natural world—and your role in it—in a whole new way.