Tuesday, 28 students from across Lawrence County graduated from the Youth Leadership Program.

The students are sophomores and juniors selected to be in the program, which prepares them for future leadership roles.

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill was the keynote speaker at this years leadership program graduation.

The program is put on by the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and has grown since it started in 2005. Students in the program learn more about Lawrence County. The students have different opportunities to learn about local agriculture, business, health, and judicial systems.

Local businesses in Lawrence County fund the program through donations.

Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce President Jason Houston said he is proud of the students for their hard work and dedication to the program.

"I feel the program is a huge benefit because it shows students the needs here in Lawrence County, teaches them the nature of leadership, and reminds them how our community has invested in them during their youth," Houston said. "It is designed to motivate them to grow into leadership roles and make the future of our county better."

Applications for the 2018-2019 Youth Leadership Program in Lawrence County are available at every high school in the county. Houston said they select incoming sophomores and juniors to be in the program. If you want more information you can call the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 256-974-1658.