Published: Thursday, July 22, 2010

Several Madison teens prepare for unique challenge this weekend

Gregg L. Parker, News Desk
Madison Weekly
Madison, Alabama’s Hometown Newspaper

Next week, several Madison teenagers will take the Challenge. Not a challenge to play Xbox the longest or text the most messages, but one to enhance their futures.

Challenge Huntsville/Madison County introduces current or prospective youth leaders to tools that develop individual skills, influence their school populations and contribute to the community, program director Mary Stewart said.

Leadership Huntsville - Madison County founded Challenge as a class project in 1993.

Challenge breaks down economic, social, racial, and cultural barriers, while educating the youth about local, state, and federal issues. "They see diverse leaders in action as well," Stewart said.

The teenagers will meet mayors Tommy Battle and Paul Finley, business executives and federal employees at Redstone Arsenal.

Students in grades 10-12 will attend from all Huntsville, Madison County, Madison City, private and home schools. Class size is about 75.

Stewart said participants are selected for personal integrity, community involvement and achievement at school and personally.

Bob Jones seniors participating are Kayla Brazelton, Ryan Clark, Summer Dawkins, Kimberly Diei, Tyler Finley, Emily Gaines, Sara Gdula and Shelby Kile.

Juniors in Challenge are Anna Florence, Miranda Fury and Whitney Trulock. Sophomores are Chelsey Chaplin, Jasmine Duncan and PriyaGanatra.

From Liberty Middle School, Hannah Diamant, Tanner Finley, Tori Florence and Matt Trulock are enrolled.

On July 26, the day's theme, "Enabling Others to Act," will focus on collaboration and delegation within a group. Visits to Digium and Baron Services will show the companies' inceptions for "Inspiring a Shared Vision" on July 27.

"Challenging the Process" on July 28 will show that leaders venture out, Stewart said about their trips to Aegis Technologies and NASA. During "Modeling the Way," the Challenge group will meet with Huntsville police officers, a judge, the Madison County Sheriff's department and HEMSI.

On July 30, students will hear about "Encouraging the Heart" from speakers associated with the Huntsville Botanical Garden, United Way of Madison County and Downtown Rescue Mission. "This is community service day in which students will be involved with about three different community projects," Stewart said.

Co-chairman Leigh Christian said, "Challenge is great because it allows our future leaders to meet current leaders and see what has been done and what is being done. It's a life-changing experience because you make friends with new leaders and allows you an opportunity to bond."

"From starting on the ropes course where trust can be built to graduation, it's a bond that will continue on," Christian said.

Scholarships are offered to students who cannot pay the fee for Challenge.

Leadership Huntsville - Madison County is a separate, non-profit corporation and is located at 694 Gallatin St. in Huntsville.

For information, call Stewart at 256-489-2281 or send email to mstewart@leadershiphsv.orgor visit leadershiphsv.org.