Members of the 2014-15 Youth Leadership class pause for a group photo during the afternoon activities that include learning team-building skills and competition as they get acquainted
The Youth Leadership class of 2014-15 began a new year of developing their leadership skills by attending a daylong leadership retreat recently. The students are taking part in the 13th year of this important workforce development program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
The class consists of 26 high school juniors and seniors selected a few months ago through an application process and represent Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley High Schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School.
The Youth Leadership program encompasses eight months and gives the students opportunities to learn about local economy, heritage and tourism, city and county government and services, and health and human services. They also experience a day in Nashville learning about state government.
Robert Green, area director of Ocoee Region of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, kicked off the day with an inspiring talk about “Using Your Compass to Lead.” Green challenged the students to identify six value statements to live their lives by, including such characteristics as integrity and honesty.
The students also spent the day participating in activities that helped them get to know each other, learn team-building skills, compete with each other and review characteristics of leaders.
“It is always exciting to meet the students and observe how leadership skills emerge through the activities they participate in at the retreat and to watch those skills grow as the year continues,” Sherry Crye, Youth Leadership coordinator, said about the new group of students.
The 2014-15 Youth Leadership class is comprised of the following students from their respective high schools: Bradley Central—Wendy Armenta, Abbi Cook, Sarah Jo Ellis, Lily Freeman, Brianna Jackson, Shelby Kersey, Riley Tarver and Evan Wooden; Cleveland—Jada Blackwell, Reed Calfee, Maddie Coulthard, Sarah Crump, Chase Henderson, Mary Maddox, Forrest McFarland and Mariah Voytik; Tennessee Christian Preparatory School—Luke Benton and Andy Chase; and Walker Valley—Amber Bell, Stephanie Bowman, Allyson Flock, Dalton King, Olivia Lee, Sarah Beth Locke, Kameron Mehling and Sara Wilson.