Bud Owens challenged Calhoun and Gordon County’s 2011 Youth Leadership graduation participants to accept that life is tough, but to make a difference by staying focused on goals.

Borrowing a quote from M. Scott Peck, author of “The Road Less Traveled,” Owens emphasized that life is difficult but today’s youth have the opportunity to overcome their challenges and serve as leaders.

Owens was the guest speaker at the March 29 Calhoun/Gordon County Youth Leadership graduation, which took place at Calhoun Convention Center. A total of 44 youth leadership students graduated and received a certificate. Participating high schools included: Calhoun, Gordon Central, Sonoraville and Georgia-Cumberland Academy.

Judy Bailey, Youth Leadership director, urged the group to use what they learned during the program as a foundation upon which to build additional opportunities.

“No matter where you live or how far you’ll go, you’ll be a leader,” she said.

Bailey closed by reminding students that fun and learning is what motivates leaders to succeed.

Chelsey McClesky, a senior at Gordon Central, was the recipient of the 2011 Youth Leadership scholarship.

About the program

The Youth Leadership program, sponsored by the Gordon County of Chamber of Commerce, teaches students about local and state government and about topics, such as public speaking and leadership strategies.

Students must apply to be a part of the program; it is open to high school juniors and seniors and is not based on a student’s grade point average.

Students take the course as a school class, and meet at a designated time each day. They earn a grade by participating in projects, meetings and field trips.

Youth leadership participants are involved in experiences outside of the classroom, such as team-building exercises and activities focused on leadership skills and teamwork.

2011 Gordon County Youth Leadership graduates:

Nicholas Boone

Sara Bradford

Kevin Caldera

Edison Carrick

Kate Chapman

Jessica Chastain,

Blake Childers

Kala Childers

Samantha Crider

Parker Davis,

Kailey Duda

Trevor Dutton

Allie Gowens

Koty Gravitt

Olivia Harbin

Vincent Hartel

Deidra Howard

Seth Johnson

Swazye Johnson

Emily Lance

Damali Logan

Chelsey McCleskey

Ryder McEntyre

Keershton Morgan

Tess Morgan

Hannah Oster

Maura Piacenza

Berkley Potts

Charlotte Prater

Austin Purgason

Elizabeth Ramirez

Lauren Holland

Dean Ruth

Tyler Serritt

Shelina Sifuentes

Alyssa Skibo

Sydney Smith

Molly Theus

Andrea Tuttolomondo

Katie Webster

Lakai Whatley

Venessa Williams

Micah Worley

Lucy Zapata.