Willie Nation
A Teenager’s Passion
for Community and Big Business
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
At just 14 years old, Willie Nation, a Freshman at Fairview High School, is making waves in his hometown of Boyd County, Kentucky. With an unshakable commitment to his community's prosperity, Willie is setting a powerful example of how even the youngest members of society can drive meaningful change. His latest endeavor? Reaching out to major corporations to bring new opportunities to his beloved hometown.
Nation’s passion for Boyd County is as contagious as it is admirable. Raised in an environment where community spirit was nurtured, Nation has always believed that a united effort can achieve remarkable outcomes. In a world often marred by divisive politics and controversies, young Nation’s outlook on life and willingness to make every possible effort to improve his hometown have not gone unnoticed.
His most recent project involved a determined campaign to attract big-name businesses to Boyd County, a move he sees as crucial for enhancing the local economy and quality of life. One of his notable efforts was reaching out to Target, the well-known retail giant with the bull's-eye logo. With an earnest and well-crafted proposal, he made the case for why Target should consider setting up shop in Boyd County. Nation even made it a point to list areas with a lower population than Boyd County Kentucky that already had a Target and that the company would benefit greatly by bringing a location to our area.
His persistence paid off when he received a heartfelt reply from Target's corporate team. The company acknowledged Willie's suggestion and thanked him for his input and let him know that they would be passing along his suggestion to their real estate team. While Target has not yet made any decisions about expanding into Boyd County, the fact that a large corporation took the time to respond to a 14-year-old's letter is a testament to Nation’s dedication and the potential impact of his advocacy.
This young man’s initiative is clearly more than just a personal ambition, it’s a larger vision for his community. He envisions Boyd County as a thriving hub where businesses flourish, residents enjoy a high quality of life, and the collective effort of its people leads to significant improvements. I plan on going to ACTC after high school and after that I want to become a community leader. A leader that can make real change and that loves his community. I have a vision for this area and how great it can be. We just need to get other people to open their eyes and see the potential the way that I do.” Explained Nation. His belief in the power of a united community drives his actions and inspires those around him.
Nation shared, “When I was younger, I often thought about leaving, but as I grew older, I realized that I’m content right where I am. As Eric Chaney says, my goal for our area is genuine economic development. This town is ideal for economic growth. We have a great community that’s perfect for big-box businesses. Why should other places have all the major stores? Why not us? Why not right here?"
In a time when the contributions of young people are often overlooked, Nation reminds us of the incredible potential that lies in youth. His determination to make his hometown a better place is a compelling call to action for all community members, regardless of age. Willie’s story highlights how one person's vision, coupled with hard work and dedication, can spark positive change and inspire others to get involved.
Nation's mother, Laura Stillion expressed her pride, saying, "I am incredibly proud of him. He is determined to make a real difference, not just in this area but across the Tristate. His passion for community improvement has been evident since he was in grade school. His persistence and refusal to give up are truly remarkable and honestly just isn’t common among kids his age. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
As Nation continues his journey, his efforts will undoubtedly serve as a model for others who wish to make a difference. His commitment to Boyd County not only reflects his deep love for his hometown but also demonstrates that every individual, regardless of their age, can have a significant impact on their community.
In the end, Nation’s drive and compassion are reminders of the profound effect one person can have when they are fueled by genuine concern and a desire to create a better world. His work has already started to leave a mark on Boyd County, and as he continues to champion his cause, there is no doubt that we will be hearing more from this young man in the future.
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