Congratulations to the 2011 Marshall County Youth Leadership Class

Twenty-nine local high school juniors successfully completed the 2010-2011 Marshall County Youth Leadership Program hosted by Snead State Community College.

The students were recognized during a graduation banquet on Thursday, June 9, at the Guntersville Town Hall.

Guntersville Mayor Bob Hembree served as the event’s keynote speaker. 

“I appreciate the time and energy Snead State Community College has poured into the Marshall County Youth Leadership Program,” said Mayor Hembree. “I am a member of the Marshall County Leadership Class of 1994, and it was my class that came up with the vision of MCYL. I am proud to see it continuing to this day.”

Mayor Hembree shared a few “simple truths” to the graduates and their families.

“Your most important asset is your likeability. You control it, and it can open lots of doors. With the exception of health, your problems are by choice and are products of the decisions we make. The quality of our problems is what’s important and what we should consider. For instance, many of you will have to make the decision of where to go to College while others are deciding where they are going to live and how they are going to feed their families. Finally, it’s never wrong to do what’s right, and it’s never right to do what’s wrong. Your reputation takes years to build, but it only takes seconds to lose.

“I know many of you will come back home after College, and several of you will be scattered across the world. It’s a great big world of tremendous opportunities. But you will be hard pressed to find a place better than Marshall County. I never truly understood this until all of our communities came together on April 27 in the wake of devastation. Wherever you end up, I encourage you to continue your involvement with the community you choose to live in. Savor this time right now, and pursue your dreams. Go for it with all you have, and strive for excellence in everything you do.”

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 third year for Snead State Community College to host the program.

“I want to thank each of you for celebrating this great occasion with us today. Graduates, I want you to know that education can totally change your future. I came from a poor family that College was not a part of. A community college changed my life. Whatever your dream is, you can achieve it. There are no limits. And I know you will all achieve great things,” 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.

“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.”

MCYL Director Teresa Walker also expressed her gratitude toward the graduates.

“It has been a great pleasure serving as the Director of MCYL this year,” said Mrs. Walker. “I’ve enjoyed meeting and spending time with all of you, and I hope that all of you have enjoyed and learned from your experience as well. I also want to recognize the advisors from each of the schools. They have done a fantastic job working as the liaison between the students and me. I also want to thank our principals and superintendants for allowing Snead State to be a part of the learning experience for your students.

“Finally, I want to thank Dr. Exley for allowing me the opportunity to work with this amazing program this year. He is an excellent leader, mentor, visionary, and role model for all the students he is around. He believes in our youth – their present and their future.”

The 2010-2011 Marshall County Youth Leadership class includes:

Albertville High School

·              Rylei Collier

·              Hope Kennamer

·              Kelley McCranie

·              Megan Powell

·              Taylor Taunton

Arab High School

·              Caroline Hestley

·              Taylor Alice Mays

·              Hannah-Rose Rutherford

·              Hope Shirley

·              Will Vickers

Asbury High School

·              Mercedes Alita

·              Destin McClendon

Boaz High School

·              Catariana Cantu

·              Ryan Erkine

·              Max Jeter

·              Megan Richards

Brindlee Mountain High School

·        Matthew Jordan

·        Jonathan Kopp

DAR High School

·              Meghan Dennis

·              McKayla Edmonds

·              Riley Jones

·              Christian Wilson

Douglas High School

·              Hollie Dobbins

·              Kyle Kubik

·              Josh Williams

Guntersville High School

·              Victoria Aughinbaugh

·              Bryneth Buckner

·              Leanne Cornelius

Katarina Rice