New Junior Leaders begin their training
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community service as part of the Junior Leaders program.
The goal is to develop young people into active, engaged citizens by requiring them to complete at least 50 hours of service, volunteering at festivals, events and local projects while learning communication, teamwork and responsibility.
Administered by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the program includes students from Belgreen, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Russellville and Tharptown.
Cassie Medley, executive director of the chamber, said the work these students do is an investment in the entire community.
“Each May, one class of Franklin County Junior Leaders graduates, and a new class begins 10 months of community service in June,” Medley said.
She emphasized the importance of the commitment required. “Each volunteer hour takes commitment, responsibility, dependability, tenacity and selflessness. The experiences, skills, life lessons and lasting friendships build true leaders.”
Students say the program is already changing how they think about community service.
Olivia Green of Russellville High School said it’s about more than just logging hours.
“Junior Leadership provides each of us with a unique opportunity to serve in a capacity we may not have been able to before,” she said.
She said volunteering can become more meaningful over time.
“We may start out volunteering because we need the hours, but eventually volunteering becomes something you want to do because you realize that volunteering isn’t so much about the time and effort you put into it but the relationships you build along the way.”
Alaina Burcham from Phil Campbell High School said the experience has been fulfilling so far. She explained what she hopes to gain from the program.
“I love to reach out a hand to people who need help. From this program, I expect to grow as an individual by working on communication, leadership and courage.”
Owen Gardner of Tharptown High School said he got an honest preview from his sister.
CONTRIBUTED/FC CHAMBER
“My sister, Laikyn, who graduated from the Junior Leadership Program last year, said it’s going to be one of the hardest things I do,” he said.
His experience so far has been promising.
“I can already tell, even though it has only been one month, that I am going to enjoy being part of the program. I love learning things about our communities, and I can’t wait to learn more.”
Madi Willis of Russellville High School said the program has already pushed her outside her comfort zone.
“My first service opportunity as a Junior Leader required me to travel to Phil Campbell all by myself for the first time,” she said.
It was a small trip, but a big step.
“As a Junior Leader, one of my hopes is that I make connections with fellow juniors and community leaders throughout the county,” Willis said. “I would also like to open new doors for my future through this program.”
