Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

Carly Parker was one of a handful of students selected from Falkville High School to attend the 2017 Leadercast held at Somerville Baptist Church on May 5. 

The entire conference was both motivating and inspiring, specifically a portion that used an analogy about running. 

“A girl named Jess shared this morning about how she couldn’t even run a mile, but was able to run 100 miles because she focused on the mile at hand instead of thinking about how far she had to go,” Parker said. “That stayed with me because it being a sports analogy, I could relate to it. She said that she would run one mile at a time and not worry about the next mile or the one after that, instead just focus on running one at a time. That’s something that will really stay with me. Focusing on one task at a time and not becoming overwhelmed, or thinking how far I have to go.”

Students from each class from 7th-12th grade in all Morgan County Schools attended the event, which hosted nine speakers over the Leadercast program. 

Event organizer Ashley McCulloch planned the event the last few years, which began, with her taking a few Priceville students to watch the event and quickly the want to participate in it, grew. 

“We had around 200 select students from all our middle and high schools to participate in our 2nd Leadership Day,” McCulloch said. “We broadcasted Leadercast out of Atlanta as well as bringing local leaders and agencies to speak to the students about leadership opportunities in their communities. We are very honored to have the support of so many local businesses, agencies and individuals that have helped to fund this event in full for our students. Brewer High School made our sack lunches. We had several businesses that came together and paid the $25/student so they could participate and also for Somerville Baptist Church for hosting the event.”

Priceville High School teacher Josh Sawyer said he didn’t initially plan to attend the event with students, but he is glad he was able to be a part of it. 

“Another teacher was supposed to come but couldn’t so they sent me in his place,” Sawyer said. “It’s been a really neat experience and the speakers have been great. I feel like all the kids involved will really take positive advice home with them and be able to apply it to their lives.”

McCulloch was able to raise nearly $3000 to be able to put on the Atlanta Leadercast event in Somerville for the students.