FROM STAFF REPORTS

A group of top students from Alabama high schools recently had the opportunity to attend the High School Leadership Academy held at the University of Alabama.

Among those in attendance were Kaitlyn Burnside of Pelham High, Allie Chapman and Martin Snook of Briarwood Christian, Zackery Morris of Spain Park High and Mark Gallups of Thompson High.

Some 100 students were addressed by guest speakers and participated in group discussions that focused around the academy’s theme of values, vision and voice.

The speakers included former UA football player John Croyle, the founder of Big Oak Ranch; attorney Cleo Thomas, UA’s first black SGA president; former UA professor Cathy Randall, the former governor of Alabama’s Girls State and current president of Girls Nation; and attorney Dale Wallace, the 1975-76 SGA president and current UA instructor.

Students in attendance were first nominated by administrators from each of the participating high schools. The nominees were asked to submit their resumes, transcripts and an essay for evaluation by Capstone Council, which then selected the student attendees.