Youth continue to benefit from Leadership Lauderdale experience

By By Ida Brown / staff writer
August 22, 2004
West Lauderdale High School senior Shana Cross got more than she expected from her Leadership Lauderdale Youth experience.
Intrigued by the program's emphasis on developing leadership skills, Cross expected nothing more than a lecture session from the scheduled meetings.
But Cross soon discovered the program involved much more.
Leadership Lauderdale Youth brings together a diverse group of high school juniors to participate in a program focused on developing an understanding of personal leadership styles, learning personal and community responsibilities and reviewing character development.
The program also provides an overview of Meridian and Lauderdale County, including the local government and business community, as well as an introduction to area leaders and career opportunities.
During their affiliation with the program, youth attend a one night retreat featuring team-building activities, and five one-day monthly meetings. The book "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey is the basis for the program.
Cross, who plans a career in the medical field, said the seven habits detailed in the book have been helpful in her official duties with HOSA.
You can apply:
Here is a look at how you can apply for the Leadership Lauderdale Youth program. For more information, call Beth Randall, Lauderdale County's 4-H youth agent, at 482-9764.
The program: Leadership Lauderdale Youth is a youth development program designed for 11-graders who attend public and private schools or are home-schooled.
The application: Applications will be available Tuesday at area high schools or in the 4-H office on the fifth floor of the Raymond P. Davis Courthouse Annex.
Important details: Students must file completed
applications with the Lauderdale County 4-H office by 5 p.m. Sept. 8. A selection committee will choose 30 participants.