A group of youth leaders is about to see the result of its Impact Project take flight.

Thomas County Central High School Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Dodgeball Tournament held in April raised approximately $3,600. The money was donated to the Honor Flight Tallahassee program. The tournament exceeded its goal to raise enough money to send three veterans on a life-changing trip. Enough was raised to fund six trips. This Saturday, May 19, several area veterans will take part in that day’s flight to Washington, D.C.

The Honor Flight Network provides all-expense paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit national war memorials for World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans who are capable of making the trip but have never seen the memorials in their honor. Stops include the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery to see change of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“I feel as if we raised a good amount of money for Honor Flight and am proud of what we were able to accomplish,” academy member Jonathan Mills, who was involved with planning brackets and getting teams involved, said. “It’s important for us to honor those who have [spent] part of their lives to protect and serve this community and the Constitution.”

The tournament was the leader academy’s year-end Impact Project.

“This highly successful project was selected, planned, organized and led solely by the leader academy students utilizing the leadership skills they had acquired throughout the year as part of the leader academy curriculum,” facilitator Lt. Col. Stann McLeod said.

Academy member Anna James was part of the advertising committee and helped spread word about the tournament across a variety of media platforms.

“The atmosphere was very light and fun,” James said. “Everyone was cheering and laughing, and it was a positive atmosphere.”

Sixteen teams – student and military/first responder – competed in the event, which was held in the TCCHS gym. This year’s winners are: Thomasville Fire Rescue in the military/first responder category and Fellowship of Christian Athletes "Dodge Fathers" in the student category. The FCA “Dodge Fathers” also won the overall championship.

Andrew Carnes, a leader academy member, played with the FCA “Dodge Fathers.” He competed to honor veterans and first responders and have fun at the same time.

“The atmosphere was incredible, from the beginning there was a lot of energy,” Carnes said. “All of the participants had a positive attitude and were all focused on supporting our veterans.”

To win, Carnes says his team knew they would have to beat several other good teams in the student bracket before facing the top team in the military/first responders’ one.

“Fortunately, we won the championship and went undefeated in the double-elimination tournament,” he said. “We were fortunate to win the championship as a way to give thanks to the soldiers and responders because without them we would not have the freedom we have today.”

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program with a goal of “IMPACT THROUGH ACTION.” It was created to promote leadership and making a difference amongst today’s youth.

“It is important to have an organization like the leader academy to encourage students to become leaders and develop leadership skills,” James said. “As a freshman, I was able to learn about leadership at a young age and I will be able to grow my skills throughout high school. I had a lot of fun in the program.”

The dodgeball event was such a success that the TCCHS CFA Leader Academy hopes to put it on again next year. 

“We are thankful for all military and first responders and we are glad we could honor them with the event,” Carnes said. “Hopefully next year we can have a bigger crowd and raise even more money.”