The current Martin Youth LEADERship program is an opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors throughout Martin County to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Students must apply and only 35 are selected to participate in this comprehensive nine-month program that is modeled after LEADERship Martin County. Upon completion, these Leaders have learned about their community including history, government, business, arts and culture, criminal justice and the environment. Class members are given a rare opportunity to reach their highest leadership potential through sessions focusing on Covey’s Effective Habits and other leadership enhancing activities. Every effort is made to select a racially, gender diverse class representing various levels of leadership experience.

Some of the key objectives of the MYL program are to identify and nurture young leaders, promote their awareness and involvement as community citizens, and offer programs that will allow interaction with community leaders and decision makers. Big goals, to be sure, but ones that are consistently met with each class.

Students are chosen based on criteria including a desire to reach their full leadership potential, an interest in exploring the numerous aspects of Martin County, agreeing to participate in day-long scheduled sessions, and recognizing the need for continued leadership involvement in school and community following completion of the program. All this in addition to completing an application, providing teacher recommendations, and maintaining at least a 2.0 grade point average. Truly an astounding group of students!

Attending one of the graduation ceremonies lets you see first hand what these students walk away with at the end of the program: feelings of pride and accomplishment, a better awareness and connection to their community, and a motivation and drive, knowing they can truly effect change. And they did it while also having fun, being creative, and developing a special camaraderie with their fellow students.

The accomplishments of these students do not happen by luck or accident. It takes the drive, dedication and commitment of the adult LEADERS, who help build and maintain the program. These notable leaders included Jeanette Mueller, Sandra Kesslering, Susan Bergstrom, Joe Catrambone, Lucy Corley, Diana Bruton, Erica Kinane, Ginger Featherstone, Josh Folds, Becky Freeman, Patsy Hall, April Hicks, Donna Hosang, Marjie Jordan, Mark Mathes, Bertha McManus, Ray Parrish, Elizabeth Price, Nancy Rad, Nancy Sailer, Barbara Scharlau, Lorie Shekailo, Tammy Simoneau, Morgan Sprott, Darren Steele, Terri Stone, Bev Uhl, Virginia Wardle (Skinner), Elizabeth Whittles, Vicky Yardley, and many more