June 21, 2017
The Marshall County Youth Leadership class of 2016-17 graduated this week with a strong sense of what it takes to be a leader.
“I learned so much about what we’re capable of,” Madison Travis of Arab High School told the crowd of students, parents and sponsors.
“This program taught me to be brave,” said Emily Hicks, of Brindlee Mountain High School. “I’m so thankful I was able to be a part of it.”
Thirty-four students from nine high schools across Marshall County received certificates for completing the year-long program for juniors. They spent one day a month touring local industry and hospitals, meeting members of the law enforcement community, assisting in non-profits and seeing state government up close in Montgomery.
William McLaughlin of Guntersville High School called MCYL a “fantastic experience.”
“We met a lot of leaders from a lot of different fields,” he said.
Isaac Emanuel of Marshall Christian said his favorite part of the program was helping shop for children in the Christmas Coalition program, which was part of the Community Service day.
“We learned a lot about how we can contribute to the community,” he said.
Jessica Reyes of Asbury High School said MCYL opened her eyes to what is available locally.
“It helped me see things I never dreamed of being in Marshall County.”
MCYL is sponsored by the Marshall County Leadership Challenge Alumni Association, Marshall Medical Centers and Citizen’s Bank & Trust.
Charlie Williams, president/CEO of CB&T, urged students to use the skills they gained from the program in whatever career they pursue.
“We have a vested interest in growing leaders,” he said. “We need leaders to lead well beyond business.”
Claudette DeMuth, director of marketing for Marshall Medical Centers, told graduates that all great leaders share a common trait.
“No matter how smart you are, how you get there or how hard you work, the common denominator among leaders is passion,” she said. “Have a passion for what you do.”