Local High School Students Complete
Marshall County Youth Leadership Program

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May 25, 2010
Twenty-eight local high school juniors successfully completed the 2009-10 Marshall County Youth Leadership Program hosted by Snead State Community College.

The students were recognized during a graduation banquet on Thursday, May 13, at the Guntersville Town Hall. Snead State Community College President Dr. Robert Exley served as the event’s keynote speaker.

“I really enjoyed working with this year’s group,” said Director of Marshall County Youth Leadership Rian Edwards as she welcomed a host of family and friends of the graduates. “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. They have been such a blessing, and I thank you for giving me your students, your children, your brothers, and your sisters. ”

Marshall County Youth Leadership is a program that involves juniors from Albertville, Arab, Asbury, Boaz, 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 second year for Snead State Community College to host the program.

A representative from each of the seven schools spoke on their experiences learned during Marshall County Youth Leadership. Arab High School junior Anna Johnson spoke positively of the program.

“Each month every single thing we did had a purpose. It was something we needed to know in order to grow as a leader,” said Anna. “Through Marshall County Youth Leadership, I now have a great desire to take on more responsibility and be better involved in the things going on around me. It’s my time to step up and lead.”

“Because of Marshall County Youth Leadership, I have seen things in Marshall County that I had no idea existed,” said Asbury High School junior Kimberly Siebert. “I have learned the potential I have as a future leader in Marshall County. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our advisor, Mrs. Edwards, and our sponsors. You all make this wonderful program exist and succeed as well as it does.”

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.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor Marshall County Youth Leadership,” said Dr. Exley. “Marshall County Youth Leadership is a wonderful experience for Snead State as we provide a small opportunity to our future leaders of Marshall County to make a big difference. I encourage our graduates today to never limit your dreams. Hopefully, you have realized your ability to lead by serving the others around you.

“There are four characteristics of a successful leader. A leader must have a personal integrity, a selfless heart, the courage to change the world around them, and they must be genuine,” said Dr. Exley. “You must be authentic, and you must be a servant leader. Be who you are and be what you want to be.”

The 2009-10 Marshall County Youth Leadership class includes:

Albertville High School
· Chris Bright
· Chloe Kennedy
· Brooke Killion
· Jessica Patterson
· Shelby Pledger

Arab High School
· Anna Haddock
· Laura Leigh Hollaway
· Anna Johnson
· Sara Kremer
· Jackson Shell

Asbury High School
· Kimberly Siebert
· Jonathan Terrell

Boaz High School
· Lenze Alexander
· Serra Freshwater
· Evan Isbill
· Zack Willoughby

DAR High School
· Luke Bailey
· Taylor Martin
· Nikki Norton
· Zack Perkins

Douglas High School
· Leah Miller
· Anna Montgomery
· Hilary Morrow
· Elizabeth Shaw

Guntersville High School
· Russell Leak
· Jennifer Seifried
· Cheney Williams
· Sarah Elizabeth Woodard