Above: Thirty-four high school seniors graduated from the 2014 Gulf Coast Youth Leadership program on December 11. Graduates are, seated from left, Jack Schmidt, Frances Lawson, Kimberly Sanchez, Timmy Nguyen, Hannah Scott, Sam Temple, Reid Bond, Neely Walker, Robyn Hannah, Emily Cvitanovich and Dustin Slade. Middle row from left: Marguerite Marquez, Taylor Pope, Jacob Seicshnaydre, Khiem Ly, Katie Moore, Blake Windham, Tony Coleman, Casey Lavender, Liz Haney, Ellen Cannon and Amanda Caillouett. Back row from left: Chase Sciple, Jasharee Epting, Gordin Smith, Ethan Lishen, Brandon Barna, Jimmy Fondren and Dylan Robicheaux.

The 2014 Gulf Coast Youth Leadership graduation ceremony was held at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Hospitality and Resort Management Center on December 11. Windy Swetman III, Harrison County District One supervisor and board president, was the keynote speaker.

Thirty-four students successfully completed the year-long program, which includes visits to Keesler Air Force Base, tours of various businesses and industry, meal-etiquette lessons and STEM projects.

“It has been an honor and a pleasure directing these students this past year,” Mollie Barger, MGCCC’s coordinator of Recruitment and Student Engagement, said. “While the purpose of GCYL is to teach students leadership skills, I can honestly say that this year’s class helped me grow as a leader. I see bright futures for all of them!”

Graduates are Emily Cvitanovich, Brandon Barna, Reid Bond, Amanda Caillouette, Ellen Cannon, Shweta Chawla, Tony Coleman, Sydney Davis, Jasharee Epting, Jimmy Fondren, Liz Haney, Robyn Hannah, Casey Lavender, Frances Lawson, Ethan Lishen, Khiem Ly, Tony Maiolatesi, Marguerite Marquez, Katie Moore, Grace Munro, Chandler Musgrove, Timmy Nguyen, Taylor Pope, Dylan Robicheaux, Kimberly Sanchez, Jack Schmidt, Chasse Sciple, Hannah Scott, Jacob Seicshnaydre, Dustin Slade, Gordin Smith, Sam Temple, Neely Walker and Blake Windham.

Designed after adult leadership programs operating in the coastal counties, the purpose of GCYL is to encourage leadership development in young men and women who will be informed, motivated and committed to working toward an improved quality of life. The curriculum content includes Personal and Community Development; Government; Business and Economic Development; and Education, Art and Humanities, as well as core values and skills.

Programs begin each January with participating juniors selected by school administration at the high schools in MGCCC’s four-county district based on selection criteria established by the college. During the summer, students are asked to compete a service-learning project. Special Events include SIMSOC Simulated Society; Mississippi Legislature trip to Jackson; Congressional Insights Program; Culture and the Arts Activity; and the MGCCC Ropes Challenge Course. The program participants must attend the activities at least one day per month through December.

The program originated on the college’s Jackson County Campus and was expanded throughout the college district in 1998. For more information about the program, visit mgccc.edu or contact Mollie Barger at (601) 928-6385 or mollie.barger@mgccc.edu.