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Being the education reporter for a newspaper means I am in the local schools for events quite a bit.

In two recent events I covered highlighting student achievements, I was touched by students genuinely supporting each other. Some clapped and cheered. Another gave a thumbs up to presenters as they came off the stage. The interaction was fun to watch and made an impression, especially in a time when many negative things that seem to get attention through social media. Both the schools I happened to be in for these recent events had students in kindergarten through 12th grade. I have heard from teachers or administrators on more than one occasion that they enjoy the opportunities for the older students to be role models for the younger ones that this unique setup provides. However, schools with a more traditional format have also looked at ways to create a supportive team atmosphere.

I know no school is perfect and neither is any student, but there are several good things being led by students across the county. Volunteering projects, mentoring younger students and raising funds for those less fortunate are just a few of the many opportunities that local students have become involved in. Some do this through clubs and classes at school, for others it may be through their church or Scout group.

I’m glad I get to share some of them in my role as a writer for The Clanton Advertiser and Peach Living.

It seems to be a forever trend that the older generation worries about how the younger generation will turn out and sometimes fear the day that they will take the reins of leading the establishment. I think there are bright spots in every generation. Young people preparing and maturing to be able to lead well in whatever arena of life they will be in. For Chilton County, many such students are already starting to step up proving that when their generation becomes the leaders they will have the character to handle it well.