High School Students Complete
Marshall County Youth Leadership Program

May 9, 2012
Twenty-nine local high school juniors successfully completed the 2011-2012 Marshall County Youth Leadership Program hosted by Snead State Community College.

The students were recognized during a graduation banquet on Thursday, May 3, at the Guntersville Town Hall. The group is under the new direction of Snead State Recruiters Lindsey Beck and Michelle Machen.

“You should be honored and proud to be part of such an elite group,” said Ms. Beck. “It has been a privilege to work with such a great group. Michelle and I appreciate your hard work and dedication. We want to especially thank our advisors and the businesses who have partnered with us during this year.”

Guntersville High School’s Kathryn Anderson spoke about her experience with MCYL this year.

“My idea of leadership has changed,” said Ms. Anderson. “I have a deeper understanding of leadership that has gave me the confidence to step up and be a leader for my school’s volleyball team.”

Andrew Long, a junior at Albertville High School, also shared his experience.

“This has been a wonderful experience for me and everyone involved,” said Mr. Long. “It’s time to take what we learned and move forward. This is a first-class group of students, and I am proud to have met each of you.”

Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley served as the event’s keynote speaker.
“Congratulations to an incredible group. You have an opportunity to apply what you have learned this year to the rest of your life. Perception is reality. What’s your perception of yourself? A leader is a change maker with integrity and character. Your perception can be your reality – no matter what it is.

“Wherever you go, live your life with passion. Live with compassion. Live your life with a continuous desire to create joy for others. Life your life with the courage to take risks beyond your comfort zone. I can live with complete confidence in this group that this way of life will be here for my grandchildren. Remember, there is nothing more pleasing that giving joy. Thank you for being part of our lives at Snead State. Please remember us, forever.”

Members of the Marshall County Youth Leadership Class of 2012 are:

Albertville High School – Kaley Beauchamp, Michaela Charles, Andrew Long, Mary-Catherine Mitchell and Tyler Tidmore

Arab High School – Morgan Pesnell, Abigail Burman, Madison Herndon and Meredith Johnson.

Asbury High School – Sara Conaway and Heather Waterhouse

Boaz High School – Emily Kate Freshwater, Sarah Haygood, John Mayhall and Breanna Sims

Brindlee Mountain High School – Nathan Pearl and Bryanna Johnson

DAR High School – Daniel Newton, Bailey Kennamer, Sidney Stanfield and Chelsea Wilson

Douglas High School – Allison Montgomery, Annabell Cantellano, Thomas Parrish and Mark Miller

Guntersville High School – Kathryn Anderson, Stephanie Gonzales, Olivia Gregerson, and Charlee Halligan