Leadership Fayette County (LFC)
A free program for selected Fayette County high school juniors that is made possible by Festival participation and donations. The program teaches essential leadership and public speaking skills.
Program Structure and Selection
Each year, twelve to fourteen students from Fayette County high schools are selected through an application and interview process to participate in 12+ sessions throughout their 11th grade school year. The selection process ensures that each LFC class includes one student from every high school that submitted applications. Sessions include networking with local professionals, business owners, managers, and government officials. Programming is geared to provide the information and tools needed to enable them to make the choice to return to Fayette County to live, work, and play upon completion of their higher education. Those who successfully complete the curriculum are awarded a $1000 scholarship to the school/training of their choice.
Program History, Evolution, and Recognition
The program was originally designed and facilitated by Dave Pollard who formed the non-profit Fayette County Education Fund, Inc., and the first graduation ceremony was held in 2002. Rachel Davis co-coordinated and facilitated from 2008 to 2019. Dave Pollard retired in 2016. Geoff Heeter joined as co-coordinator and facilitator in 2018, and continues today with Dr. Mandy Wriston.
In 2011, the program expanded to offer select sessions to any student who completed the application and interview process. In 2013, LFC received national recognition from the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and was honored by Harvard as a “Bright Idea” in recognition of being a creative and promising government program and partnership. In 2014, the scholarship increased to $1000 for each program graduate. In 2016, a WVU Capstone Study revealed the program was unique and stands apart when compared to youth leadership training programs across the country. In addition to the high school program, LFC has offered continuing education programs for teachers; outdoor education programming and support for local schools; and conducted a pilot program to provide LFC programming for 8th graders.
The Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors. The 2026 – 2027 board members are Geoff Heeter (president and treasurer), Ashton Critchley (secretary, LFC alum), Dr. Mandy Wriston (curriculum developer), Kenny Parker, Heidi Prior, Angela Sundstrom (LFC alum), Mason Harp (LFC alum), Jessica Zukowski (LFC alum), and Megan Weatherford.
Scholarships and program funding are made possible by donations to the 501C3 Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. Donate via PayPal.
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