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Youth Leadership Blount, an organization that provides high school sophomores opportunities to develop leadership skills and serve the community, has selected the students for the coming year.

Each year 18 students are selected to participate in the program which includes a beginning retreat, two day legislative retreat to Nashville and nine day-long sessions that expose participants to a variety of issues and topics that will enhance their understanding of Blount County while developing the skills they will need for life-long leadership service.

Nominations for the program are accepted in January. Teachers, guidance counselors, clergy, alumni or other non-family members can nominate students for the program. Candidates for selection must be currently enrolled as a high school freshman and have at least a 2.0 grade point average. Individuals should also have a sincere interest in serving the community and demonstrate the potential for leadership. Youth Leadership Blount is provided to students at no charge. The program is funded by a grant from the Alcoa Foundation and sponsorships from local businesses and civic organizations.

The youth selected for the program this year are:

n Latrice Booker, daughter of Sonya and Jeff Booker and student at Maryville High School. She enjoys writing and drawing and especially playing the piano. She also sings with the praise and worship team at her church.

nMegan Butler from William Blount High School, daughter of Donna and James Butler. She plays piano and guitar, has participated in Model United Nations, and enjoys volunteering at her church and Blount Memorial Hospital. In her spare time she enjoys reading a good book or watching old movies.

n Adreanna Carter, daughter of Melissa Carter and Shawn Carter and student at Maryville High School. She is involved on the Step Team and Rugby Team where she received the Rookie of the Year award.

n Erica Collins, Heritage High School, daughter of Sheila Smallin and James Rogers, Jr. In school she is active in drama, choir and FFA. Her talents include acting, singing and drawing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

n Hannah Crook, daughter of Kenny and Anita Crook, Maryville High School. She plays basketball and volleyball and participates in FCA. She participates in her church youth group and volunteers with children's program. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and staying active.

n Grant Daugherty, Alcoa High School, son of Rob and Julie Daugherty. He is active in the Key Club and plays on the Golf Team where he is an All-State Golfer. He is active with his church youth group and in his free time enjoys hanging out with friends.

n Andrew Davis, son of Andy and Noel Davis, Heritage High School. He is active in FFA and plays on the Bowling Team. His hobbies include basketball and tennis as well as volunteering at a nursing home and homeless shelter. He is active in his church and in his free time enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music.

n James Elliott, son of Julie and Barry Elliott, Heritage High School. He participates in the Heritage Singers. He also plays piano and keyboard in the Praise Band at his church. In his free time he enjoys writing music for piano.

n Luis Gonzalez, William Blount High School, son of Pedro and Elvira Ramos. He is active in Future Business Leaders and Model United Nations. At church he is an altar server and participates in youth group. With his free time he enjoys being outside and considers himself an optimist.

n Ryan Goral, son of Tina Conner and Scott Conner, Maryville High School. He enjoys drama as well as biking, hiking and swimming. He enjoys spending time with his family whether it be at church activities or after church biking on the Greenbelt.

n Brianna Langley, daughter of Angela and Tom Langley, home schooled. She participates in Fencing and has qualified for the Junior Olympics. She loves children, animals, writing, singing and volunteering at the zoo. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and working out.

n Jordan Orr, Maryville Christian School, daughter of Donnie and Tina Orr. At school she plays on the volleyball and basketball teams. Her hobbies include swimming and reading and participating in her church youth group. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities.

n Hayley Pierpont, Heritage High School, daughter of Ron and DeAnn Pierpont. She sings in the school chorus and her favorite classes are art and history. She volunteers for Meals on Wheels and visiting the elderly. In her free time she enjoys reading and thinking and is very interested in philosophy and journalism.

n Deonmonique Timmons, daughter of Babetta and Robert Johnson, Alcoa High School. She plays basketball and soccer and participates on the Step Team. At church she participates in the choir and dance team. With her free time she enjoys playing sports and talking with her friends.

n Shannon Valentino, William Blount High School, daughter and Christine and Ruby Valentino. She participates in the marching band as a guard and plays the clarinet. Outside of school she participates in Girl Scouts, choir, and Buddies Ministry at her church. In her spare time she enjoys playing with her sisters and reading.

n Taylor Webb, son of Billy and Gracie Webb, William Blount High School. He participates in peer teaching. He volunteers with the Blount County Friends Program during the summer and enjoys camping, fishing and playing basketball. With his free time he enjoys hanging out with his family and friends.

n Callie West, daughter of Mark West and Vivian West, Alcoa High School. She participates in Marching Band, soccer team and is a member of the Key Club. At church she participates in the youth group and helps in the nursery. With her free time she enjoys swimming and scrap booking.

n Caleb Widener, Alcoa High School, son of Tim and Lisa Widener. He plays bass drum in the school band. He plays piano and loves to sing. At church he volunteers his musical talents and helps with church activities. In his free time he enjoys playing piano with his brother.

Leadership Blount County provides oversight to the Youth Leadership program. The Youth Leadership Blount Advisory committee, made up of program alumni, coordinates the sessions. For more information you may contact the program coordinator, Carla McMillion, at 984-9368.