The third class of the leadership program Youth Lead held their graduating ceremonies April 15 in Rooster Hall with 18 students from Demopolis High School and three students from John Essex High School. The group is just one way these students have excelled in their high school careers.

Over the course of the last several months, the 21 students attended three sessions on a variety of topics, including diversity, local and state government and leadership qualities. The process culminated in a barbecue lunch and comments from those involved with the program.

According to Catherine Meador, chairman of the board for the group, the idea for the program began 10-12 years ago as Leadership Marengo, an adult leadership program, was just getting started. Woody Collins, who was on hand to make special remarks at the graduation, described the evolution of this group as an exercise in hard work.

For this year&8217;s group, service projects such as working the Christmas on the River pageant, wrapping Operation Christmas Child boxes and stuffing thank you letters for the Demopolis City Schools Foundation became a new component of the program.

Catherine Meador, chairman of the YOUth Lead board, reported this year&8217;s group was successful.

Stephanie Jones, representing Demopolis High School, said the program really made an impact on the way she viewed leaders and leadership.

Amelia Hackworth, representing John Essex High School made another point about the role of leaders in society.

YOUth lead graduates from Demopolis High School were Victoria Barley, Tenathius Bassett, Rebecca England, Jennifer Holmes, Courtnei Horton, Walter Hudgens, Meaghan James, Stephanie Jones, Morgan Patterson, Chelsea Pickett, Lee Reeves, Markelle Smith, Hillary Stapp, Drew Tucker, Quintez Wallace, Tenesha Wallace and Emily Willingham. Graduates from JEHS are Willie Daniels, Zack Fluker and Amelia Hackworth.

Nancy Tyson, vice chairman, gave the new grads these parting words;