Leadership Shelby County prepares for graduation

As high school seniors prepare for their diplomas, so do the members of the Leadership Shelby County Class of 2016.

This year’s class started working on their projects in 2015, and they will graduate from Leadership Shelby County during a ceremony at Jefferson State Community College on Tuesday, May 10.

“During this time, the class presents their projects to all of those in attendance,” said Carol Bruser, director of Leadership Shelby County.

Each of the four groups will have around 15 or 20 minutes to present their projects, and Bruser said she is excited to see how all the projects turn out. The projects are approved at the start of the program, she said, but then the teams are on their own. The board of directors does not hear a final update on the projects until the graduation, she said.

“But every single year, the projects are amazing,” she said. “We’ve never been disappointed.”

Leadership Shelby County aims to promote involvement in the county and to encourage a passion for improving the community.

“We want them to be on boards throughout the county. There are so many opportunities for them to serve in the county, whether in an elected or volunteer capacity.”

Around 90 percent of individuals in elected positions, heading up volunteer organizations or serving on boards are Leadership Shelby alumni, Bruser said, and she thinks this year’s class will be encouraged to continue their involvement.

“I hope they step away with a better understanding of ownership of the county first and foremost because they’ve been exposed to all the integral parts of it,” Bruser said.

For more information about Leadership Shelby County, contact Bruser at bruserca@montevallo.edu.