Integrity, empathy, adaptability, and resilience are all qualities that make a great leader. For Apalachee High School senior, Koreen Mathis, leadership is about making a change.

Koreen explains how her leadership skills derive from participation with SkillsUSA.

“SkillsUSA shaped me into being a great person and a great leader for my community,” said Koreen.

Her role as State Treasurer has contributed greatly to her leadership skills. 

Koreen became a state officer for Skills USA for the 2023-2024 school year.  

“From the small things such as me doing community service or me earning an internship at our local library, it’s the little things that make me the person I am today, along with the big things,” said Koreen.

Being involved in community activities and school clubs has been an essential part of Koreen’s regimen.

She has participated in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, USA yearbook, student advisors and more.

She is a local library intern and helps with the after-school program at Auburn Elementary.  

Koreen was voted Class President her junior year and Vice President her senior year at AHS. 

Growing up in Barrow County for eighteen years, she’s driven to give back to the community that has shaped her.

She plans to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University after graduating this spring.

“I want to pursue a career in psychology. I want to do something that is a community service-based occupation. Rather that means doing social work or me becoming a counselor at a school,” said Koreen.

There is no doubt that Koreen will make a great leader in our community someday.

Congratulations, Koreen! Barrow County School System is proud of your hard work inside and outside of the classroom.