Submitted
More than 500 juniors and seniors from participating schools in Carmel and Indianapolis have come together in Leadership Connection since its inception in 2021.
The program has grown over the past five years. During the inaugural year, students who were invited to participate were also encouraged to apply for one of the five scholarships that were then offered. Five students were selected to be recipients of the monetary scholarship, along with a laptop computer.
These select students have had the opportunity to go on and reach the goals they set out to accomplish. It is a joy and honor to share their success stories. One of these students is Connor Claymon.
Claymon is currently attending Indiana University and is enrolled in the Kelley School of Business working to attain a double major in Finance and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation.
At the time he attended Carmel Leadership Day in 2021, he was already showing leadership skills as he was on the executive board of Carmel High School’s DECA Club.
Claymon shared why Carmel Leadership Day was memorable for him.
“Carmel Leadership Day was memorable because it fundamentally shifted how I think about success and where it happens,” he said. “Growing up, it’s easy to assume that the most impactful entrepreneurs and business leaders are in places like New York or California because that’s what the media constantly highlights. But hearing from local leaders at this event made me realize that innovation, leadership and meaningful impact are happening right here in Carmel, Indiana, too.”
He went on to explain how the speakers – people who had built real businesses, served in government or led major institutions – were proof for him that you don’t need to leave your hometown to build something meaningful.
He also expressed how he came to understand the importance of networking through his interactions at Leadership Connection Day.
“Getting to interact with these leaders in a professional setting – and realizing they were open, approachable, and genuinely interested in helping students – boosted my confidence,” he said. “I left feeling more comfortable speaking with high-level professionals and more motivated than ever to build my own network.”
Claymon left the day with a powerful takeaway.
“Leadership is about using your voice to create momentum, whether in your school, job or community,” he said. “During the ‘New Generation of Leaders’ panel, I realized that leadership isn’t just about being older or more experienced; it’s about stepping into opportunities, asking tough questions and finding ways to lift up those around you.”
He went on to share a message that is still affecting how he makes decisions in his life.
“That day challenged me to start thinking bigger about how I can make a difference, even right now as a student,” he said.”
Claymon said he is looking forward to graduating in 2026 with an honors degree in business from IU.
About Leadership Connection
Leadership Connection was formed and continues to share the goal of providing a forum for local high school students to engage with distinguished professionals from both the private and public sectors, allowing students to build professional and personal leadership skills while providing members of the community an opportunity to positively impact the next generation.
Leadership Connection is currently working with students at Carmel- and Indianapolis-based high schools and planning the Leadership Day for 2025 which will take place in November. For more information on how you can partner, volunteer for upcoming events, or support Leadership Connection, visit carmelrotary.com/leadership-connection.php.
