May 28, 2009
Thirty local high school juniors successfully completed the
2008-09 Marshall County Youth Leadership Program hosted by Snead
State Community College.
The students were recognized during a graduation banquet on
Thursday, May 14, at the Guntersville Town Hall. Jeremy Hays,
former University of Alabama basketball player, spoke of his
experiences as part of the inaugural MCYL class.
“What I loved most about this program is that it took high
school students from every high school in the county. We learned
about problem solving and teamwork, and you were exposed to
different viewpoints. This program taught me what a leader was.
Everyone who spoke to us was successful, and that rubbed off on
me. It started a flame flickering inside of me. I was like a
boat in the water. I floated around a bit, but I didn’t know
where I was going. Marshall County Youth Leadership gave me
focus.
“We are blessed to live in a community that loves to see our
youth succeed. I hope you continue to support this program,”
said Mr. Hays of Boaz.
Marshall County Youth Leadership is a program that involves
juniors from Albertville, Arab, Asbury, Boaz, Brindlee Mountain,
DAR, Douglas, and Guntersville High Schools. The students learn
more about government and the resources available in Marshall
County as well as experience opportunities to develop their
leadership skills. This year was the first year that Snead State
Community College has hosted the program.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to do this,” said
Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. “When we were approached
about taking over the responsibility of Marshall County Youth
Leadership, the choice was an easy one to make. The program is
excellent, and our director, Rian Edwards, has done an
outstanding job.”
Dr. Exley also challenged the students to never stop pursuing
their dreams.
“Never settle for good enough. Visualize yourself as a person of
integrity. Never limit your dreams of what you are capable of
doing,” said Dr. Exley.
Throughout the year, the students participated in programs
featuring healthcare, education, leadership, etiquette,
industry, communication and public speaking, and government.
They sponsored children through the Marshall County Christmas
Coalition as their service project, and they traveled to
Montgomery and met with the Marshall County Legislative
Delegation.
“I really enjoyed working with this year’s group,” said Ms.
Edwards. “They are intelligent, strong leaders, and they make
wonderful role models at their high schools. I expect these
students to achieve big things with their future endeavors.”
The 2008-09 Marshall County Youth Leadership class includes:
Albertville High School
Brandon Terrell
Erik Cederholm
Kaitlyn Bonds
Lindsey Vinson
Sarah Waldrop
Arab High School
Ashley Vickers
Courtney LeSueur
Kori Daniels
Kristen Wilks
Lauren Crider
Asbury High School
Chelsea Richards
Kacie McClendon
Boaz High School
Ashley Amberson
Dylan Parrish
Hanna Roberts
McKenzie Spurlin
Brindlee Mountain High School
Bronsen Edmonds
Zach Jones
DAR High School
Courtney Cooper
Hunter Edmonds
Mallory Kirkland
Sam Winkler
Douglas High School
Amberly Brisco
Daniel Robertson
Lauren Eagle
Meagan Martin
Guntersville High School
Amber Stewart
Christian Taylor
Emily Miller
Mary Dea Covington
