SAVANNAH — Fifty-six young ladies from Chatham, Bryan, Liberty and Effingham Counties recently received leadership awards for completing the 2017-18 Dawn’s Daughter Leadership Academy.

A celebration to commemorate the accomplishment was on June 2 at The Club at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island.

Dawn’s Daughter is dedicated to encouraging high school girls of all backgrounds and abilities to set goals and make positive choices to maximize their potential.

Dawn Baker, a news anchor at WTOC TV, founded the academy with the vision of young women having clear paths and opportunities for finding their voices and learning skills.

“Young women are increasingly taking their place in leadership roles across the world,” Baker said. “So ultimately this program is working to develop the next generation of leaders.”

During this year-long experience, participants learn about team-building, leadership, group dynamics, self-esteem and character building, managing finances and more. The academy is free and open to girls in the 10th and 11th grades.

As a nonprofit, Dawn’s Daughter needs donations to keep it going. If interested, donate to: Dawn’s Daughter, Ltd. P.O. Box 6501 Savannah, GA 31414.