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Mycal TurnerEmerging Leader Award
Honoring a youth from high school and below who have shown exceptional dedication to community service and involvement, making a significant positive impact through their volunteer efforts and leadership. This award honors young individuals who inspire their peers and contribute to the well-being and unity of the community, reflecting the spirit of Mrs. Jettie Rhodes.
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Mycal Turner is an emerging leader whose passion for education, equity, and service is already transforming lives. A 2024 graduate of Urbana High School, Mycal will attend DePaul University in the fall to study Elementary Education, bringing with him a powerful and purposeful vision for the future of our schools and communities.
Even before entering college, Mycal has demonstrated the kind of leadership and impact that most aspire to. As a mentor, educator, public speaker, and program leader, he has made it his mission to uplift youth—particularly Black and Brown students—by changing the narrative and creating spaces where young people can see their worth and reach their full potential.
At the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, Mycal created and led “Mr. Mycal’s Class,” where he taught elementary students about self-care, nutrition, and character. He also mentors through DREAAM, leads programming for over 25 youth, and has conducted professional development sessions for educators—using his lived experience to improve the learning environment for others. His empathy, insight, and authenticity have earned him deep respect from both students and adults alike.
A gifted speaker, Mycal has been a standout participant in the Optimist Oratorical Contest, winning at the local, district, and state levels, and earning thousands of dollars in scholarships. He proudly represented Illinois at the 2024 Regional Competition, and has used his voice to inspire audiences ever since. He is also a NAACP ACT-SO national medalist in Oratory, and a Gold Level Mayoral Recognition Award recipient—proof of both his excellence and commitment to service.
Mycal’s wisdom, vision, and faith-driven purpose set him apart. He has said, “I’m needed in that space”—and indeed, he is. Whether working one-on-one with a struggling reader, advocating for equity in education, or imagining future curricula, Mycal is not only dreaming of change—he’s leading it.
We are proud to honor Mycal Turner with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award, knowing that this is only the beginning of a remarkable journey in leadership, education, and impact.
Even before entering college, Mycal has demonstrated the kind of leadership and impact that most aspire to. As a mentor, educator, public speaker, and program leader, he has made it his mission to uplift youth—particularly Black and Brown students—by changing the narrative and creating spaces where young people can see their worth and reach their full potential.
At the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, Mycal created and led “Mr. Mycal’s Class,” where he taught elementary students about self-care, nutrition, and character. He also mentors through DREAAM, leads programming for over 25 youth, and has conducted professional development sessions for educators—using his lived experience to improve the learning environment for others. His empathy, insight, and authenticity have earned him deep respect from both students and adults alike.
A gifted speaker, Mycal has been a standout participant in the Optimist Oratorical Contest, winning at the local, district, and state levels, and earning thousands of dollars in scholarships. He proudly represented Illinois at the 2024 Regional Competition, and has used his voice to inspire audiences ever since. He is also a NAACP ACT-SO national medalist in Oratory, and a Gold Level Mayoral Recognition Award recipient—proof of both his excellence and commitment to service.
Mycal’s wisdom, vision, and faith-driven purpose set him apart. He has said, “I’m needed in that space”—and indeed, he is. Whether working one-on-one with a struggling reader, advocating for equity in education, or imagining future curricula, Mycal is not only dreaming of change—he’s leading it.
We are proud to honor Mycal Turner with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award, knowing that this is only the beginning of a remarkable journey in leadership, education, and impact.
Previous Honoree:
2024 - Kierra Moten
2024 - Kierra Moten