Leaders of Today

05/27/2026

In December 2025, our community lost a truly phenomenal educator, Sandra Peloquin. 🕊️

Sandra dedicated 32 years to shaping young minds, beginning her teaching career with Cleveland Municipal Schools in 1993, followed by her decades of service with Lorain City Schools from 1998 until her retirement in June 2025.

In honor of her life and love for education, her family raised funds to provide six $1,000 scholarships to deserving Lorain High School seniors who exhibit her spirit of excellence, determination, and care for others.

We are honored to partner with her family in celebrating these exceptional Lorain High School seniors:

🎓 Leilanee Sebastian
🎓 Eric Whitaker
🎓 Elizabeth Ruic
🎓 Sophia Alamo
🎓 Zoe Page
🎓 Folakemi Fasola

Every great teacher’s dream is to see their students change the world for the better. As you step into your next chapters, continue to lift others up and make her proud. We are rooting for you every step of the way! 💙✨

05/26/2026

This year holds even deeper meaning for us as an organization, as we celebrate the life and legacy of another remarkable young leader whose time with us ended far too soon: Brian “BJ” Todd Jr. 🕊️❤️

BJ was an outstanding student at LCCC Early College, a life member of the NAACP, a standout student athlete for Elyria High School, and a beloved friend to all. This scholarship honors his memory by supporting local seniors who embody that exact same dedication and heart.

Help us congratulate our 2026 BJ Todd Memorial Scholarship recipients:

🎓Ellianna Mellen – Heading to The Ohio State University!

🎓Cedar Dove – Heading to Kent State University for Pre-Med Psychology to become a Physician Assistant!

🎓Dekarion Wimberly – Heading to Morehouse College to major in Political Science & Economic!

🎓Gianeylis Del Valle Merced – Heading to The University of Akron for Exercise Science!

Carrying this award means carrying a piece of BJ’s incredible drive and spirit forward. Continue to push for excellence and continue to uplift everyone around you as you start this next chapter! 🌟

05/26/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 2026 recipients of the Kayden D. Williams Memorial Scholarship! Since 2021, this fund has honored Kayden’s memory by investing in Lorain County seniors who embody true character, resilience, and community leadership.

Thanks to your unwavering generosity, this year we officially crossed a major milestone: over $20,000 in total scholarships awarded over the last five years.

Huge congratulations to our phenomenal 2026 recipients:
🎓 Mia Stefan – Keystone High School
🎓 Kaylie Scott – Keystone High School
🎓 Kaitlyn Pojman – Avon High School
🎓 Leah DiFranco – Midview High School
🎓 Gabrielle Williams, Jazzmyn Holmes, & Zoey Pol – Elyria High School

To our awardees: We know you will continue to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and be the change you wish to see in your community!🌟

01/28/2026

Leaders of Today is now accepting applications for the 2026 Kayden D. Williams Memorial Scholarship.

The KDW Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 in loving memory of Kayden DeKobe Williams to support graduating seniors enrolled in any Lorain County high school. We’re looking for seniors involved in school and community activities throughout their high school careers or who want to impact their community in the future. 💫

Applications are due March 11, 2026. Tag or share with students who may be interested. Click the link below to view our application!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCJZZmeohfoK8mJYTtC2n7qJJJ9FePrhs64-Jb0ITsauwGXg/viewform?fbclid=PAdGRleAPm__RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAac--Q9kLGWsHXatPCATEJOsfV5_RzTCMjpys2VF3Wzau-h388jQ1D4fGoT0yQ_aem_aXKEHowmEo0eD7KLtT-b6Q

12/31/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sandra Peloquin.

Sandra was a dedicated board member, teacher, and advocate. She meant so much to so many, and her kindness, commitment, and spirit left a lasting impact on our organization and community.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family and loved ones.

Sandra’s legacy of service and care will continue to be felt through the many lives she touched.

08/26/2025

Approximately 20 students worked to complete this year's mural by Leaders of Today, a local organization aimed at revitalizing parts of the community with murals and giving Lorain County students the resources to be creative, explained Marsalis Hammons, founder of Leaders of Today.

08/25/2025

This weekend, young leaders filled our community with vibrancy, creativity, and teamwork. 🌎🎨🤝🏾

The mural’s message—a powerful line from a student’s poem first shared during our Public Art & Culture Program Black History Month showcase—now lives on the 2nd Street bridge as a lasting reminder: together, we are stronger. ✨

Huge thanks to the incredible students and volunteers who dedicated their time, the Community Foundation of Lorain County for making this possible, and Chad Federovich with Cleveland Mural Company for leading the way.

08/10/2025

Calling all young leaders! This year’s Public Art & Culture mural is all about unity, perseverance, and community pride — and YOU can help bring it to life.

📍 2nd Street Bridge, Elyria🗓 Aug 23 & 24 | 11 AM – 2:30 PM 💵 $250 stipend for the first 10 students to sign up and complete both days

No experience? No problem — just bring your energy and creativity. Let’s paint a brighter tomorrow, together. 🌟

Click the link below to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSft9T5W8spzGnazP0lBIwVQBBGWcNm9BDIITtoy-9s7Dg8K9w/viewform

06/29/2025

Last Team Standing Wins! All proceeds go toward scholarships for c/o 2026 Lorain County graduating seniors.

$50 per team | 50/50 & side board raffles! 🎟️

Register your team by clicking the link below 👇

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjozy7ZupoJxIdNcjXZd3kjr-eJNRohPohACc3se7PPdTolw/viewform

Join Leaders of Today for our Elimination Trivia Night Fundraiser - a night of fun, friendly competition, and community impact!

🗓️Thursday, July 3rd @ 8PM

📍Dawg House Bar & Grill, 114 Antioch Dr. Elyria, OH

Last Team Standing Wins! All proceeds go toward scholarships for c/o 2026 Lorain County graduating seniors.

$50 per team | 50/50 & side board raffles! 🎟️

Register your team by clicking the link below 👇

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjozy7ZupoJxIdNcjXZd3kjr-eJNRohPohACc3se7PPdTolw/viewform