Youth Leadership recognizes students

In its eighth year, Youth Leadership St. Johns (YLSJ) program organizers boasted about the caliber of all 23 students who, after having developed their leadership skills, desire to learn more about how they can be involved in and give back to our community.

But one outstanding student, David Johnson of Allen D. Nease High School, stood out as a “Leader Among Leaders,” and was presented with a plaque at the YLSJ Class of 2009 Graduation on Sunday, April 19 at Flagler College.

The “Leader Among Leaders” award was the brainchild of YLSJ Volunteer Nancy Birchall several years ago. It gives the opportunity for YLSJ students to assess their peers and determine who they feel has put the most leadership skills into action thus far. “We hope this process motivates all of them to get even more involved in other worthy endeavors in the future,” said Birchall.

Johnson will represent his class at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held in June at Stetson University. His conference registration will be paid for by the St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary Club.

RYLA is Rotary’s leadership training program for young people emphasizing leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.
“Though all of the members of this class have leadership skills and potential, I know David will represent the group well at the RYLA Conference,” said Kathy Mignerey, 2008-2009 YLSJ Volunteer Chair.

YLSJ is a program of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce intended to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified young people capable of providing dynamic leadership in their schools, careers and communities as they mature into adulthood.

For more information about participating in Youth Leadership St. Johns, please contact the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce at 904-829-5681