WELCOME FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Welcome to Teen Conference 2026!

It is with great pride and heartfelt excitement that I welcome each of you—Teens, Parents, Chaperones, and Lead Teen Sponsors—to another extraordinary South Central Region Teen Conference experience.

This year, we gather under a powerful and meaningful theme - “Soul of the South: Where Legacy Meets Leadership.”

The Soul of the South is rich. It is layered with history, resilience, culture, faith, excellence, and purpose. It reminds us that leadership does not begin today - it is inherited, cultivated, and refined. Our heritage is not simply something we celebrate; it is something we carry forward.

As the heartbeat of the South Central Region, our teens continue to exemplify what it means to rise from legacy into leadership. You are scholars, innovators, creatives, servants, and change agents. You stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way, and through your actions, you are paving new paths for those who will follow you.

Your roadmap for the journey ahead is included in this Teen Conference Guide. Whether this is your first conference or you are a frequent attendee, may this experience stretch you, inspire you, and challenge you to lead boldly and authentically. Within these pages, you will find everything that you need to prepare and amplify your excitement and experience at Teen Conference.

I extend sincere appreciation to the Regional Teen Executive Board, Regional Teen Advisors, our host chapter, Humble-Kingwood, and the supporting chapters whose collaboration has brought this vision to life. Your dedication ensures that our teens are not only engaged—but empowered.

As we gather in fellowship and leadership development, I encourage each of you to lean fully into the experience. Listen deeply. Participate courageously. Honor the legacy that shapes you and the leadership that is within you. 

The Soul of the South lives in you.
Our heritage anchors you.
Your leadership will elevate tomorrow.

Together, let us continue to rise—grounded in legacy, ignited by purpose, and committed to excellence in action.

With pride and purpose,

Dr. Jackie Ward
Regional Director
South Central Region

WELCOME FROM THE REGIONAL TEEN PRESIDENT

To the Incredible South Central Region Family,

My name is Joshua J. Hayden, and I am honored to serve as your South Central Regional Teen President. It is truly a privilege to welcome you to Teen Conference 2026 as we gather for another powerful and memorable experience. I proudly hail from the two-time Five Star Notable, Sophisticated & Dedicated North Suburban Dallas Chapter. 

Our theme, “Soul of the South: Where Legacy Meets Leadership,” reminds us that we stand on a strong foundation built by those who came before us. Now, it is our time to lead boldly, serve intentionally, and rise together—living out our regional theme: “Together We Lead, Together We Serve, Together We Rise.”

We are excited to be in the vibrant city of New Orleans, a place rich in culture and tradition that perfectly reflects the spirit of our conference. From engaging workshops to competitive events—and the return of Sports Day—this conference is designed to challenge us, connect us, and elevate us.

A sincere thank you to our host chapter, Humble-Kingwood, for your hard work and dedication in making this conference exceptional.  And to our Mothers, Fathers, Teens, and Associates—your continued support is the foundation of our success.

Let us honor our legacy, embrace leadership, and make Teen Conference 2026 one to remember.

Sincerely,
Joshua J. Hayden
South Central Regional Teen President
North Suburban Dallas Chapter

WELCOME FROM THE HOST CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Welcome to the 72nd Annual South Central Region Teen Leadership Conference! It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as Chapter President of the Four-Time Five-Star Humble Kingwood Chapter. We are beyond excited to welcome this year’s teens to the vibrant and soulful city of New Orleans, Louisiana!

We are looking forward to a weekend where you’ll handle the meaningful business of Jack and Jill while also making room for plenty of joy, laughter, and fun. Our hope is that you build lifelong friendships through heartfelt community service, strong (but still very friendly) competition, and well deserved celebrations of all you have achieved. This year’s theme, “Soul of the South: Where Legacy Meets Leadership,” reminds our teens that their history is a gift, their culture is a compass, and their leadership is the legacy they are already shaping. In other words, your ancestors are watching, so give them a show worthy of applause!

Our chapter is fully committed to uplifting you, cheering you on, and making sure this conference is one that stays with you long after the weekend ends. We pray that the connections you make, the wisdom you gather, and the inspiration you feel continue to guide you, whether you are moving forward in your Jack and Jill journey or stepping boldly into your next chapter.

We sincerely thank each of you for showing up ready to lead, ready to learn, and ready to have fun. We know you are more than prepared to embrace every moment of this teen conference as you continue growing into the leaders our world truly needs. Now, Laissez les bons temps rouler! Or, as we like to say in Houston by way of Humble Kingwood, “Gone ’head and let them good times roll, ya feel me?” We cannot wait to see you in New Orleans!

Yours in love and service,
Brittany R. Francis
Chapter President