December 17, 2021 – The Community Foundation of Macon County (CFMC) congratulates Alexi Jones, a senior at Meridian High School and executive vice president of Young Leaders In Action (YLIA), for her nomination to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).
Jones was one of only 11 area students nominated by the congressman to attend U.S. service academies after completing a competitive application process. A congressional nomination is one of the requirements to enter West Point, and Jones must also successfully complete the school’s application process to be accepted.
“I am incredibly thankful and honored to have received this nomination,” says Jones. “I am hopeful that come spring I will be accepted into [West Point]. It would be an honor to graduate from the Academy and proceed to serve my country as a soldier in the U.S. Army in the years to follow.”
Jones has been an active member of YLIA since its founding in 2020. The youth-led philanthropic initiative was developed by The Community Foundation of Macon County and is cosponsored by the Foundation and Decatur Rotary Club No. 180. The group consists of more than 100 Macon County high school students making positive impact on their community through numerous service projects each year.
“We at the Foundation are tremendously proud of Lexi’s achievement,” says YLIA Facilitator Temethia Joyner. “We have seen her leadership skills in action during her time this year as YLIA’s executive vice president, and we have no doubt that she will thrive and succeed at West Point.”
Last spring, YLIA won the prestigious 2020 Governor’s Cup, the first youth group ever to receive the prestigious annual honor.
To learn more information about YLIA’s upcoming community service opportunities, follow the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages or contact Joyner at 217.429.3000 or email tjoyner@maconcountygives.org.
