Sen. Mike Bell, right, reminded 25 aspiring community leaders that they will be asked to “work harder, get dirty and do things others won’t do” during special graduation ceremonies for members of the Bradley/Cleveland Youth Leadership Class of 2010-2011. The class was comprised of students from Bradley Central High School, Cleveland High School, Tennessee Christian Preparatory School and Walker Valley High School.
Members of the Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership Class of 2010-11 recounted their year’s emphasis on city, county and state government, community services, infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing, along with reflections about the value of relationship and team-building opportunities, during the ceremony.
Walker Valley High School’s Connor Craig described the Youth Leadership program as an “amazing experience” and “the perfect opportunity for anyone that wants to become a better communicator, problem solver and leader.”
“I have gained so much knowledge of the workings of our community’s economy during this past year,” Craig said. “Some of the most memorable moments of the program were touring the M&M factory, visiting the state capitol building, and seeing the homes being built by the Habitat for Humanity.”
He went on to say that “it has been a blast learning about those who contribute to making our community what it is and building friendships that will last a lifetime ... It is vital that young people today are involved in the betterment of our community. The Chamber of Commerce is opening the door to a world of possibilities for the future youth of our community. They are allowing us to be examples to the other students in our schools and are helping us show those students that becoming involved in the community is not something to be ashamed of. Hopefully, this process of allowing young adults like us to become intertwined into the workings of not only our community but also our nation and our world will continue for years to come.”
Sen. Mike Bell also addressed the group, reminding them that they will be asked to “work harder, get dirty and do things others won’t do.”
Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership is a workforce development initiative of the Chamber.
