Good leaders not only know the direction they want to take but also are willing to take the time to help others along the way — the heart of Pathways to Career Success.

Graduating members of the Pathways Youth Leadership Class of 2008-2009 include from Northwest Halifax: Stafford Boyd, Aerial Richardson, Kevin Richardson, Jessica Young, Shaundria Lynch, Shaneegua Shynier, Telicia Lockhart, Eboni Squire, Brittany Silver, Brianna Lynch and Jakwana Neal; Southeast Halifax: Jasmine Bailey, Jamesha Winford, Ta’Meikie Johnson, Reshieka Hannon, Brandon Hanson, Clayreese McDaniel, Shanietra Hunter, Jasmine Alston, Tyler Williams; Roanoke Rapids: Heather Batchelder, Elsie Bjarnason, Alesha Boyce, Olivia Burton, Ashley Edwards, Alyssa Grant, Jenna Jenkins, Katie Jenkins, Christine Phillip, Kalie Smith and Katie Smith; Northampton-East: Sade Stephenson, Ashley Williams, Lynette Long, Kimberley Sledge, Melissa Bell, Ebony Long, Jalessa Moody and Brittany Wilkins; Northampton-West: Marcus Benjamin, Raven Bynum, Ciera Garner and Clarence Miles; and Weldon: Andrea Pierce, Isaiah Clark IV, Anna Woodberry, Dioval Remonde, Jalisha Robinson and Ryan Daniels. Contributed Photo | Daily Herald Advertisement

Modeled after the Leadership Roanoke Valley Program, Pathways is offered to high school juniors and seniors interested in taking leadership roles in their schools and communities. In addition to enhancing leadership skills and creating bonds with students from the different schools, business community volunteers help to coordinate the sessions to allow the students to explore the various careers of the Roanoke Valley.

Thursday evening was a special graduation for 49 area students representing our four local, public school systems. With the culmination of four challenging sessions conducted throughout the 2008-2009 school year, these young leaders graduated from the Pathways to Career Success/Youth Leadership program of the Roanoke Valley Business-Education Partnership. Honorees for the evening were from Northampton-East, Northampton-West, Northwest Halifax, Southeast Halifax, Roanoke Rapids and Weldon high schools.

In addition to my talented, able-bodied school partners and me, the sessions required the commitment of business volunteers to serve as coordinators.

The following businesses/agencies/individuals filled this billing: Halifax Community College and The Centre, Sen. Ed Jones, the 4-H Rural Life Center, Halifax County government offices, Halifax Regional Medical Center, Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and many, many volunteers.

Session 1 was held at the Halifax County Extension Service auditorium in Halifax and focused on getting acquainted and developing team-building skills. Session 2 found our group traveling to Halifax learning the ins and outs of county government — the 911 Center, health department, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Court and the Office of the Controller. Session 3 addressed the marketing skills necessary in today’s job market, hosted by Halifax Regional Medical Center staff.

Our final session was one of extreme challenges. Over the entire course of the program, our focus has been on team building outside of comfort zones, and now it went a step further. Not only were the teams challenged on the low-ropes course but also in the treetops. Walking on a tight rope, or a balancing on a tree limb, or repelling from a tree stand — all from 35 feet above ground — pushed each young, challenger to his/her limit. For many this was a frightening but extremely proud accomplishment at the 4-H Center in Halifax.

Financial sponsors of the Business Education Partnership include Halifax Community College, Halifax County Schools, Northampton County Schools, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District and Weldon City Schools. Businesses’ valuable support came from AAA Carolinas, BB&T, Daily Herald, Flambeau, Halifax Regional Medical Center, Haney, Vann & Bruton, Hoffman & Arthur, DDS, PA, KapStone Paper and Packaging, Littleton Observer, Lynch’s Office Supply, Premier Land, LLC, RBC Centura, Roanoke Electric Cooperative, Roanoke Rapids Savings Bank, Roanoke Valley Energy Facility, Roanoke Valley Savings Bank, and Safelite Glass Corporation.

What a year this has been! These young students and volunteers have been remarkable. Each year working with this program, I find myself reassured that many of our young people are also committed to our community, and if we have to place our future in their hands, we’re in a pretty safe place.

If you feel that you may have something to offer this program and would be interested in participating next year, please call the Chamber at 537-3513. I am always looking for a few good volunteers.