Alfa Youth Leadership Conference focuses on future of agriculture

COLUMBIANA — A winding drive down Shelby County backroads and a crisp autumn morning welcomed almost 90 ninth- and 10th-graders to the Alabama 4-H Center for the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference in Columbiana.

The goal is to help young people develop leadership skills and the ability to think critically, said Alabama Farmers Federation Ag Leadership Programs Director Hunter McBrayer.

“Federation President Jimmy Parnell always encourages young people to learn to think for themselves,” McBrayer said. “This conference is designed to gather students from across the state in one place and teach them how to do just that.”

This week’s conference boasted nearly 265 applications of students eager to learn. Sponsors included Alfa Insurance, Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, plus county Farmers Federations.

Blount County’s Hudson Stephens said this conference helped him explore new opportunities.

“It’s been eye opening,” said Stephens, a 10th-grader at Holly Pond High School. “My favorite part was the team-building games that helped me connect with others. I learned the value of being a leader and knowing when to sit back and let others lead, too. This conference inspired me to be a community leader and step up and lead the correct way.”

Students engaged in high-energy workshops that developed teamwork, leadership and communication skills while building relationships. One of the most impactful events was the community outreach project, where students packed 11,000 dental and shower kits for families at Children’s Hospital of Alabama, said Cullman County’s Lola Kate Haynes.

“I didn’t know what to expect for the service project, but I liked how we all came together and worked hard to accomplish a big goal,” said Haynes, a ninth-grader at Fairview High School. “I was grateful to help families in need. It was a humbling experience. You never expect to be in the situation where you need the hospital, so it was meaningful to do for others.”

Attendees continued developing leadership skills exploring their comfort zones with guest speakers Rhett Laubach and Grace Ellis.

To top off the fun, ABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann motivated the high schoolers with his personal testimony.

“To be successful, you have to follow your passion in life, work hard and have a servant’s heart,” Spann said. “You are special. No one will ever do what you can do. Always remember, we are here to serve and help other people.”

McBrayer said he hoped students left the conference understanding the power of their influence.

“It’s our responsibility to show young people who and what they can be,” McBrayer said. “This is our future. We want them to see how they can shape the lives around them for the better.”