Note: The subject of the article and the author are cousins.
While many high school seniors are focused on graduation plans and college applications, Gentry High School’s own Kaci Bush is already building a legacy of leadership and community service in her hometown.
Bush, a senior known for her passion for youth empowerment and service, recently founded Peer Power, a peer-centered community service group dedicated to giving students opportunities to lead, create, and make lasting contributions in the community.
“My motivation for creating Peer Power is to help the local youth in my community grow and thrive,” Bush explained. “I want to make sure young people here have a safe environment where they can evolve into leaders.”
Creating Change, One Project at a Time
The group’s first initiative, a Community Clean-Up, set the tone for its mission: giving young people the tools and opportunities to make a visible difference in Indianola and beyond. Students who joined the event not only worked to beautify their neighborhoods but also learned the value of teamwork and civic responsibility.
According to Bush, projects like these are just the beginning. Peer Power is designed to go beyond one-day events, aiming to foster an environment where high school students can:
● Develop leadership skills
● Participate in creative, hands-on service projects
● Build positive, long-term relationships
● Create a lasting impact within the community
A Vision for the Future
Bush plans for Peer Power to continue long after she graduates. “I plan to maintain Peer Power for years to come,” she said. “It’s not just about now—it’s about building something for the next generation of students.”
Her personal goals align closely with the mission of the group. Bush intends to attend Mississippi University for Women (The W), major in nursing, and ultimately pursue a career as a travel registered nurse. Even as she looks toward the medical field, her commitment to leadership and youth service remains at the heart of her journey.
Youth Leading Youth
In a time when communities across the Mississippi Delta are searching for new energy and innovative leadership, Peer Power represents the potential of youth leading youth. By combining service, creativity, and friendship, Bush is proving that young people don’t need to wait until adulthood to make a difference—they can start now.
The group continues to grow and welcomes more students to get involved. Updates, photos, and details about upcoming projects are shared on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580009803349
