Selma gained 27 strong leaders Tuesday as the Youth Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class XVI celebrated their graduation.

Since August, students in youth leadership have worked on developing their leadership skills by attending a class each month. Each presented a final project as part of the graduation ceremony.

“The purpose of leadership is to bring about unity among high schools across the county,” explained Callie Nelson, director for the program. “A lot of them never get to meet kids from other high schools, this way they get to make friends at other schools.”

Through participating in the program, area students have been able to meet with local city and county officials as well as tour city offices.

Susanna Wagoner, junior at Morgan Academy, said being involved in youth leadership has enabled her to become more active in the community.

“I’ve grown up here, and it’s really amazing to see how much is going on in Selma,” Wagoner said. “It’s been wonderful being able to meet people I would have never met if it wasn’t for this organization.”

Students in the 11th and 12th grade from every city and county program were represented in the class. Nelson said serving as director, she has seen each student grow in the program — and also have a lot of fun.

“Through being in the class, these kids have learned how to write essays, make a resume — just a whole list of useful skills,” Nelson said. “They’ve kind of become immersed into the community so they can learn what’s going on and be better citizens of Dallas County. I’m excited to see them graduate.”

Ford Manderson, a student at Morgan Academy, said after completing the program, he feels better equipped to branch out of Selma and attend college in the fall.

“It’s been a really great experience,” Manderson said. “I didn’t really know too many people outside my school until I participated in this — It’s been a lot of fun.”