Jack and Jill of America Inc., a membership organization dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders, has announced its 2016-2017 National Teen Board, which consists of seven high school seniors poised to display their leadership skills while serving their communities.

Among the new teen board is Morgan Smith from Southern California.

Morgan Smith is the Far West Region teen president from the Santa Clarita-Antelope Valley Chapter. She attends West Ranch High School in Valencia. In her senior year, she has memberships in the Future Doctors Association, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Science Olympiad. Smith aspires to obtain a pilot’s license and one day, become an astronaut.

Each board member was elected by a group of peers at the regional teen conferences held across the nation. The teen president selection process included being nominated by their peers and campaigning for their position. The nominees create campaign materials, produce a display and deliver campaign speeches to the respective chapters within their regions. Once elected, their duties consist of appointing other respected officers, presiding over meetings, leading teen fundraising efforts for Jack and Jill of America Foundation and planning teen conferences. Teen presidents also serve as a page for the annual Jack and Jill of America National Convention and the National Legislative Summit.

“We remain committed to developing the leaders of the future by ensuring they have a variety of hands-on leadership opportunities, our job is to guide and coach them on the tenants of great leadership,” says National President Joli Cooper-Nelson. “Jack and Jill of America is proud to be a part of their journey of self-discovery and leadership development.”

These elected teen officials are well accomplished in their academic, community and volunteer service. Each teen president leads and inspires his or her chapter and regional members in a unique way.

Below are the names and profiles of the 2016-2017 National Teen Board of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.:

Jordyn Blythe is the teen president for the Central Region. She is from the Bloomington/Normal Chapter in Bloomington, Illinois. At University High School, Blythe is involved in band, theater, chorus and debate. Two years ago, Blythe spoke at a TedxYouth event discussing youth leadership. She is passionate about philanthropic giving and civic duty and encourages others around her to become involved.

Peyton Bell-Hunter proudly serves the South Central Region as teen president from the Dallas Chapter. Bell-Hunter is a senior at Hillcrest High School. Throughout her 16 years at Jack and Jill, she has held several leadership positions within the chapter and faithfully participates in philanthropy through Jack and Jill, the National Honor Society and cheerleading, where she leads her team as the varsity cheer captain.

Wesley Tillman is the Southeastern Region’s teen president from the Columbus, GA Chapter and has been an active member since 2002. Tillman served as the immediate past president and has made his mark in the community through multiple organizations. He is a part of the National Honor Society, National Honor Society of High School Scholars, Brookstone Leadership Council and lastly, a lettered track and football athlete. In his spare time, he deejays for social gatherings and events under his stage name, “DJ WesTside.”

Jack and Jill of America Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.