Students up for Congressional honor

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Ten Russellville Middle School students have been nominated to participate in the Congressional Youth Leadership Council.
RMS teacher Diane Stonecipher-Maddox nominated the students because of their potential to become student leaders.
"I've been making nominations for this award for several years," she said. "This year I found that I had several students who would make good leaders."
The students have been invited to attend the Congressional Youth Leadership conference in Birmingham as regional scholars.
Congressional Youth Leadership Scholars represent the upper echelon of today's youth in both academic and community leadership.
"Each student is hand-selected for nomination based upon academic achievement as well as by distinguished educators, mentors or CYLC Program alumni, ensuring that every participant possesses the drive and determination to emerge as a future and world leader," Marguerita C. Regan, director of curriculum for CYLP, said.
Maddox said she saw great potential in her students and made the nominations based on their classroom performance as well as other leadership experience.
"I really had a great group of leaders this year," she said. "I know all of these students are going to be great leaders of their peers."
Those nominated for award are Caroline Hollimon, Katelynn Gordon, Harley Stevens, Laurel Wade, Noe Rivera, Hunter Smith, Caitlin Smith, Austin Martindale, Heber Ramirez and Elizabeth Vargas.
Parents Mary Martindale and Ponda Gordon said they are looking at the costs of sending their children to this conference.
"It's going to cost about $1,400 for each child," Martindale said. "That covers their meals and room and board for the week."
Gordon said she has contacted Senator Roger Bedford for help in sending the children to the conference. She is also looking into possible fundraising projects to help fund the way for students who would like to attend the conference.