Hickory Algorithm Newsletter

Fill Your Bucket

Jul 18, 2025

By: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm

Last week, we skimmed the surface of what leadership looks like on an individual level. Since then, last week’s article made me think of when a friend of mine whom reached out and said, “Chris, I really want to start filling my bucket. I want to help the community and really make a difference.”

I smiled and said, “I’ve got just the thing for you.”

Leadership matters in every corner of life, but there’s one type of leadership that has a permanent place in my heart—student leadership.

Think back to high school. Everyone’s asking what you’re going to do with your life, as if you’re supposed to have it all figured out by the time you’re handed a diploma. The pressure is real. College, careers, bills, adult decisions… all while you’re still trying to understand who you are.

I’ve always envied the people who knew what they wanted to do from an early age. Most of us? We had ideas—things we were into—but being 18 and expected to know your purpose for the next 40+ years? That’s a tall order. I’m 42, and some days I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.

In fact, I’ve met far more people who went to school for one thing and ended up doing something completely different. That’s not a knock, that’s reality.

That’s also why I’m passionate about the Strong Student Leadership Program.

Based right here in Hickory, the program reaches over 10 public high schools in our area—including Hickory High, Newton-Conover, Maiden, Fred T. Foard, Alexander Central, South Caldwell, Bunker Hill, Hibriten, West Caldwell, and others.

The Strong Student Leadership program works with a selected group of students every week and continues with them again during their senior year. The goal? To build confidence, character, and clarity during two of the most pivotal years in their lives.

This isn’t just about lectures or tests. It’s real-world leadership development. Students clarify who they are, what matters to them, how to build meaningful relationships, and how to think about life after graduation, beyond the tired “what are you going to be?” conversation.

They attend weekly sessions designed to make the lessons stick and make them think.

It’s one of the most meaningful things I do all year.

So when my business-owner friend told me they wanted to fill their bucket, I asked: “Back in high school, what did you want to be?” Sure enough, their answer had nothing to do with what they ended up doing. That moment clicked. Now, they’re joining me this year at Maiden High School to help with Strong Student Leadership and I couldn’t be more excited. 💪

If you’re looking for something that goes beyond day-to-day grind… something that plants seeds for the future… this is it.

It’s one hour a week.

That’s one lunch break, one block of time to give back, and a chance to influence someone’s future, maybe even change their life.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Strong Student Leadership Program, the next session kicks off August 7th. The link is below. Come fill your bucket with us.

LINK TO LEARNING MORE - STRONG STUDENT LEADERSHIP

#fortheloveofthegame

Spotlight Event:

📆 July 26th - Investment

Ready to open the First Door to homeownership?

Join us on Saturday, July 26th at 11 AM at Olde Hickory Brewery for a FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar designed just for YOU!

Whether you’re renting, just starting to explore your options, or dreaming of your first place—this event will give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take the next step.

You’ll learn from local experts:

Lindsey Sandoval -Realtor with eXp Realty

Stephanie Gates - Mortgage Advisor with Top Flite Financial

Eventbright Link <~~~ HERE - Free Registration

📆 July 25th - Peach Party Festival

KICK OFF FRIDAY NIGHT!

Come out on Friday evening, July 25th, from 5-9 PM and enjoy a relaxing, summer evening, "Peach Party". We look forward to seeing you there and enjoying a time of fellowship to kick off another great festival!What better way to kick off the 2025 Brushy Mountain Peach & Heritage Festival than with a night of food trucks and live music from CJ Ballard Band!

Facebook EVENT Link: —————— HERE

📆 July 26th - Downtown Newton

Join us for a Rock the Block Sidewalk Sale celebration in Downtown Newton on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.!

We’ll have free cotton candy and hot dogs, live music from street performers, and community partners like the Library to Go and NC Cooperative Extension. We invite everyone to come out and support locals by visiting their favorite shops and discovering something new.

Come enjoy our freshly opened streets and wider, safer sidewalks with the community! We can't wait to see you there!

Facebook EVENT Link: —————— HERE

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