GALLERY: CCYL graduates 35 juniors from fourth class

Published 5:00 pm Friday, May 2, 2025

By Zack Maio

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The Covington County Youth Leadership program recognized its 2024-2025 class during a graduation luncheon held in the Seth Hammett Gymnasium at LBW Community College on Wednesday, April 30.

A total of 35 juniors from all six high schools in Covington County received certificates, which completed its fourth year.

“It’s an honor to be part of a community so deeply committed to developing the next generation of leaders. The Covington County Youth Leadership program thrives because of the incredible local support it receives. We simply could not do this without that support,” Program Coordinator Dr. Terri Dunn said.

Students must attend all program sessions and cannot miss more than the equivalent of two sessions in order to receive a certification of graduation from the CCYL program. Students met once a month over the school year on Wednesdays and participated in several leadership sessions.

Brylie Griffin served as the 2024-2025 CCYL chairperson, and Jessa Ann Dubose was the vice chair. Mallory McGlamory was the project chair, and Piper Bulger served as the historian. Caroline Short was the social media chair, and Rebecca Guilford oversaw public relations. Kylee Brown was the travel coordinator, and Bella Bookout was the prayer coordinator.

“Over the past nine months, more than 50 professionals have generously shared their time with our students through presentations, discussions, and tours of local industries and educational institutions. These experiences have opened our students’ eyes to the many opportunities available right here in Covington County and beyond. Whether they choose to build their futures locally or follow their passions elsewhere, they now know the value and potential of their home community,” Dunn said.

LBW Community College Dean of Instruction Dr. Shannon Levitzke welcomed those in attendance to the ceremony. Dunn gave an overview of the program and introduced the eight class officers for this year.

Bulger led the class and crowd into the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bookout spoke the invocation.

Andalusia High School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Jessa Ann Dubose, Annaleigh Fischer, MaKaylin Howard, Mallory McGlamory, Andy Shelander, Levi Wilburn, and Anna Williams.

Florala High School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Annabelle Bookout, Jayla Morrow, and Ellie Odom.

Opp High School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Bethany Burgess, Le’Tasia Coleman, Reid Ellis, Mckenzie Phillips, Saban Sasser, Derriyahn Sheridan, Caroline Short, and Baylor Turman.

Pleasant Home School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Piper Bulger, Rebecca Rose Guilford, Brylie Griffin, Kayla Hughes, Makenna Macks, Alex Scott, Chris Scott, and Kylie Thomasson.

Red Level School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Connor Blackwell and Miracle Wright.

Straughn High School’s 2024-2025 graduates are Kylee Brown, Faithe Eib, Mallory Davis, Audrey Lindsey, Tess Smith, Isabella Williamson, and Madelyn Worley.

Session one in September focused on orientation and team building at the Rodney J. Evans Convention Center in Florala. Greg White and Florala Mayor Gayle Robbins welcomed the students. William Worley and Jerry Tyson led the group through several team-building activities. Katie Lee from the Covington County Extension Office spoke about 4-H and opportunities for students to grow their resumes and compete for college scholarships. Class officer elections were held at the end of the day.

Session two in October highlighted local government, which allowed the students to participate in interactive planning and economic development activities. They learned about the organizational structure and roles of county government versus city government and heard an overview of downtown redevelopment projects in Andalusia. The group heard from Assistant County Engineer Ron Weidler, Sheriff Blake Turman, Andalusia Police Chief Paul Hudson, and Mellisa King and Maggie Holmes from the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Grit + Grind Coffee and Blue Bird Coffee Company shared goals for growing their coffee shops. Students also participated in a mock City Council meeting and reenacted a recent council meeting and practiced Robert’s Rules of Order. White and City of Andalusia Communications Director/Grant Writer Michele Gerlach were the session coordinators.

Session three in November consisted of agriculture and industry led by Lee and PowerSouth Communications Manager Baynard Ward. The day began at the Covington County Board of Education where Hunter Grimes spoke about agricultural lending and educational pathways that led them to their positions at PowerSouth. Catherine Rider from LBWCC shared about the forestry program, the timber industry, and the job outlook. The group also visited Wiggins Farms and Sweet South Market.

Session four in December sent the class to the Alabama Power of YOUth Leadership Conference at the New Brockton Farm Center. Youth leaders had the opportunity to fellowship and network with students from leadership programs in Houston, Henry, Coffee, Geneva, and Dale counties. They enjoyed various breakout sessions and were inspired by keynote speakers and panelists who talked about their leadership journeys and lessons learned along the way.

Session five in January highlighted several STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics topics. South Alabama Regional Airport Executive Director Jed Blackwell was the session coordinator. Students heard remarks from Opp Mayor Becky Bracke and presentations by Trippy McGuire and Southside Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Josh Wilson. The group saw an aviation presentation by Christian Bowers and Ian McMath and took a tour of a C-130 aircraft. Students spoke with LBWCC Ambassadors and Katie King and also participated in a question-and-answer session with baseball players Jacob Cravey and Ethan Wilson.

Session six in February detailed healthcare at LBW’s MacArthur campus, where students toured healthcare programs and received interview tips from Southeast Gas Human Resources Manager Laura Norris. They practiced what they learned in mock interview sessions with King. Mizell Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Brennan Bowen spoke about careers and scholarship opportunities in healthcare-related fields. King and Shannon Jackson coordinated the session.

Session seven in March focused on state government. Students visited the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery and met with State Representative Matthew Hammett and Senator Josh Carnley at the Alabama State House. The group fed animals at the Alabama Safari Park in Hope Hull on the way home.

Session eight in April consisted of etiquette and community service, where students learned about ways to serve their community from Barbara Pilotte of the Andalusia Kiwanis Club. Dunn reviewed past sessions and put students into groups for discussion and feedback to provide feedback for continuous program improvement and gave student assignments for the graduation luncheon. Lee provided a lesson on etiquette, while the students practiced their dining etiquette skills over lunch. Mellisa King directed students through a scavenger hunt around town where they visited local businesses for photos and activities.

“I’m incredibly proud of these young leaders and excited to see what lies ahead for each of them. There’s no doubt in my mind that they are going to do great things,” Dunn said.

The mission of the Covington County Youth Leadership Program is to prepare students to take active leadership roles in their homes, schools, and communities. Eligibility is limited to high school juniors within Covington County, who are at least 15 years of age and have a “C” average or better. Applications for the next class of CCYL participants will be available in August.

For more information email covingtoncountyyl@gmail.com or visit the Covington County Youth Leadership Facebook page.

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