02/24/2025
Ralph Joseph Youth Leadership Program Celebrates 30th Graduating Class
Lawrence County, AR – On November 17, 2024, the Ralph Joseph Youth Leadership Program (RJYLP) celebrated the accomplishments of its 30th graduating class. Fifteen high school students from across Lawrence County completed the eight-session program.
The program aims to empower young people to become effective leaders and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through a combination of classroom instruction, leadership activities, and community service projects, participants developed essential skills in areas such as community assessment, communications, team building, personality assessment, diversity, decision-making, and etiquette.
Class members included:
• Hillcrest: Savanah Miesner, Zoey Pate, Maddox Perkins
• Hoxie: Jaden Deckard, Ciara Lorren, Kaitlyn Smith, Lilian Stoddard
• Sloan-Hendrix: Hayden Matheny, Kayla Matheny, Haley Nichols, Aubreya Smallwood
• Walnut Ridge: Jaxton Brady, Jersie Cunningham, Sadie Privett, Brogan Tate
Jacki Sloan Whisnant, Co-coordinator of the program, welcomed guests and emphasized the program's enduring impact on the community, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Joseph's Trust and the dedicated support of numerous community partners, including Lawrence Memorial Health Foundation, Leadership Lawrence County Alumni Association, and the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
Co-coordinator Allison Asher introduced guest speaker Kristina Balentine, a Class 21 graduate and a Meteorologist for Kait8 News, shared her personal journey and how the program influenced her career path. A 2015 Hillcrest High School graduate, Kristina highlighted valuable skills she learned from Ralph Joseph, like teamwork and effective communication, which she continues to utilize daily. She encouraged the graduates to embrace leadership opportunities and reminded them that their contributions to others can have a significant impact. Kristina advised the graduates to cherish their memories, to focus on the bigger picture by not getting bogged down in daily details, and to follow their passions.
Tori Fowler, Committee Member and Lawrence County FCS Agent, compiled a presentation of photos and memories to showcase the graduates' experiences during the eight sessions.
Committee member Lila Floyd shared details of the four community service projects completed by Class 30. The graduates demonstrated their commitment to community service through impactful projects. Each team identified a specific need within their school or community and developed creative solutions. These projects would not have been completed had these youths not taken a leadership role to see it through. The Sloan-Hendrix team, who organized a series of events to boost school spirit among elementary students, was recognized for their outstanding project.
Committee member Diana Shelton announced that Brogan Tate from Walnut Ridge High School was chosen to receive a $1000 scholarship funded by the Lawrence Health Foundation and the RJYLP. Jaden Deckard and Kaitlyn Smith from Hoxie High School were each chosen as the recipients of $500 scholarships each funded by the RJYLP in honor of Dr. Joseph. Also, Lilian Stoddard of Hoxie was awarded the $500 Diamond in the Rough scholarship honoring Gail Clark and funded by founding members of the RJYLP.
Members of Class 30 shared how they personally benefited from participating in the program and expressed their gratitude to Dr. Joseph's family for their continued support of his vision for youth leadership training.
The Ralph Joseph Youth Leadership Program is made possible through the generous support of the late Dr. Ralph Joseph's Trust and Joseph Family; Lawrence Health Foundation; Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; University of Arkansas for Agriculture - Extension Lawrence County; Lawrence County School Districts; and Leadership Lawrence County Alumni Association.
The program also relies heavily on the time and expertise of guest speakers, including Mrs. Melinda Williams, Mrs. Katrina Sellers, Dr. Veronica Guinn. The committee also thanks Mrs. Rita Taylor for her assistance in preparing program notebooks and materials for sessions.
For more information about the Youth Leadership Program, please contact the County Extension Office at 870-886-3741.
