Twenty23 Alfa Youth Leadership Conference helped the 87 high school freshmen and sophomores across Alabama learn vital skills in ag and life advocacy in the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana November. 13-14.
The two-day event was organized by the Alabama Farmers Federation and began by students meeting others from across the state. Then, character-building sessions were led by professionals such as Noah Galloway and Rhett Laubach.
Galloway who is a veteran double amputee, and Purple Heart Recipient, shared his personal story of struggle to victory. With his motto “no reasons,” Galloway, a Birmingham native taught the class about not giving up and striving to help make their lives and the lives of the lives of others better. His final message to the class was “Don’t be mediocre. Be exceptional.”
“One thing that Noah showed me is that regardless of whether I’m going through my mind that say, ‘You’re not able to accomplish that,’ I could do it,” said Addy Kirkland an incoming senior who is a sophomore at Rehobeth High School located in Houston County. “‘Don’t ever quit on yourself,” is what I learned from the experience. .”
Laubach continued her efforts by helping students create leadership qualities by delivering high-energy, high-impact training workshops. Laubach an experienced trainer and coach for presentations taught students to recognize their strengths, and recognize the weaknesses they have in order to become effective leaders.
Lincoln County High School sophomore Cristen Haynes thought the speakers were interesting and challenged beyond their limits to apply techniques they didn’t even know they were lacking.
“Through the process of engaging with us, it became easier to learn and show the skills we were acquiring,” said the Talladega County native said. “Breaking the group into small groups, and working with other students from across the state was uncomfortable for us but it was an excellent opportunity to flesh out and apply those skills. It was one of the most inspiring and inspiring conference I’ve ever attended. .”
Students also participated in the outdoors and team-building exercises with 4-H staff. They also heard from a group of young farmers on potential careers and opportunities in agriculture, and also learned how important leadership is in agricultural campaigning by Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer.
“Our future is in our children,” McBrayer said. “We are looking to create the next generation of leaders who are able to be a good friend to work for the common good, and create a better world for not just agriculture, but for everything. This conference offers us the chance to educate and create exceptional students who will shape their local communities, states and even the nation. .”
The main event was a workshop where the students practiced the art of service and assemble wooden toys to give for patients in Children’s of Alabama Hospital this time of year.
Bullock County sophomore Rose Ryan-Ulver stated that her role in leading was to give back to the community and that this was a great opportunity to assist those less fortunate.
“As an executive, you are required to be a servant,” said Ryan-Ulver. “You can assist people outside of your circle, if make time to appreciate the little things in life and offer them something to anticipate.”
The Alfa Youth Leadership Conference is organized by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit.
The article Local students take part in a Youth Leadership Conference was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
