Leading by example: Memphis students reflect on leadership

Memphis, Tenn. (August 5, 2026) — Not all high school students are taking it easy this summer. I recently spoke with three East High School students in Memphis, Tenn., about how they see their roles as leaders and the importance of programs like Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, to bring generations together by improving digital skills.

East High School student Carlos Watkins believes it’s important to be mindful of his role as a leader. “People around you listen,” he said, “and they take note of what you do.”

Lindsey Whaley, a senior at East High School at the time of the interview, chose to make an impact by helping organize a training event to teach young people the life skills they need to succeed after high school. She said, “It’s just been such an amazing event, and every year it gets bigger and bigger.” The opportunity to help other students adds to her sense of accomplishment and involvement in the community.

These student leaders also make an impact on their community through their participation in Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T. By helping older community members understand technology and how to use it better, these students are helping make online health care, education, and job opportunities available for Memphis residents of all ages.

According to Orin Butterick, another East High School student I spoke with, “Building community can be found anywhere, and Teens Teach Tech is a wonderful outlet for us to do that.”

Michael Hoots, East High School teacher and mentor, agrees with that sentiment. When asked about Teens Teach Tech, he said, “It’s a great outreach program to connect generations.”

You can watch the full interview here.

Carlos, Lindsey, and Orin represent a growing movement of young people stepping up to close the Digital Divide in their own communities. Connected Nation (CN) looks forward to watching this next generation of leaders carry that work forward. That future undoubtedly includes constantly changing technology and the need to understand it. That is a role that these young leaders are embracing through the Teens Teach Tech program.

Teens Teach Tech now supports more than 1,500 student trainers nationwide through a grant from AT&T. Learn more about the program on the Connected Nation website, and follow CN's work with these and other students on Facebook, X, or Instagram.