Walton’s first Youth Leadership Walton class of 19 South Walton High School students were honored and graduated along with the Chamber’s Leadership Walton participants on Tuesday, May 19th, at a ceremony held in the Magnolia Ballroom in Bay Town.

The program has been a dream for Supt. Anderson and Chamber President Dawn Moliterno for over a year. Seeing the inaugural class graduate and their dream come to life was awesome!

The Youth Leadership Walton program was modeled after the Walton Area Chamber’s Leadership Walton program for area professionals.

The program includes instruction and opportunities to gain effective communication skills, public speaking strategies, how to make a lasting first impression, group dynamics, and more. The Youth Leadership Walton program is aligned with state standards so students actually earned an elective credit. The program incorporates many of the same elements including Life Languages for effective communication, public speaking strategies, dressing for success, and more.

“I am proud that I had the opportunity to teach this class,” said Meredith Spence, Youth Leadership Walton Instructor. “It is very important to empower students to understand the power of communication and to develop effective strategies in this area. Good communication skills will take help them for the rest of their lives and in many ways.”

Students enjoyed the class and parents have raved about the impact it has made on their youth.

One parents shared the following:

“My son was able to take this class as a junior this year. I was happily surprised with the many changes I have seen in him as a direct result of attending. He has become very interested in his GPA and has become intent on visiting colleges over the summer. His homework habits have changed dramatically in order to reach his grade goals.

He really loved the Dale Carnegie aspect of the class and now conducts himself in a much more mature manner when interacting with adults. He makes sure he listens to them, looking them in the eye and shakes hands.

I would not be exaggerating to say that this has been the most important class overall that he has taken in his school career. I hope it continues for others!”

Student shared her thoughts about the class:

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to take Youth Leadership Walton this year. I’ve learned so much and looked forward to the class every day. I know I will use what I have learned in this class for the rest of my life. I hope everyone in next year’s class enjoys it as much as I have.”

“I feel like I have found myself in this class,” said one senior student.