March 11, 2015
PACS Junior, Hannah Marie Perry, Selected to Participate in Youth Leadership Athens
Prince Avenue Christian School junior, Hannah Marie Perry, has been accepted into the 2015 Youth Leadership Athens program. Youth Leadership Athens (YLA) is an application and referral program that seeks to provide local students with the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills, develop an awareness of community issues, and direct their leadership skills toward helping others. Students apply for YLA in September. In December YLA provides team-building for the participants followed by activities each month that highlight areas of leadership such as government, business, art, and graduation.
Hannah Marie got involved in YLA as a result of the influence of her older sister who participated in the program six years ago. “My sister really enjoyed YLA and encouraged me to apply.”
Hannah Marie says that the most interesting experience thus far has been the day spent at the Georgia Capitol. Hannah Marie and the other participants met members of Congress and observed as a bill was passed. “I’m considering majoring in Political Science and hopefully serving in the United States House of Representatives in the future. The trip to the Capitol really gave me a better understanding of our government.”
Hannah Marie explains that YLA has helped her learn what type of leader she is and how she can use her strengths to benefit those in her community. “I understand the need for community service and how a good leader should be well planted in his or her community in every aspect.”
Hannah Marie says that she can apply these leadership skills while in school at PACS or anywhere else in the Athens community, and she expresses gratitude for the lessons learned through YLA. “I have learned more about helping others in these four months, than I have in 16 years.”