The Union County Development Association (UCDA), acknowledging the need to identify and develop local leaders in order to continue to improving Union County’s lifestyle, supports the Union County Leadership Academy (UCLA). The purpose is to sharpen leadership skills and community awareness, with the hope that those selected for the adacemy will exert a strong positive influence that will benefit the entire community.
Dr. Tommy Barkley, a New Albany physician, sponsored the Leadership program in Union County for many years.
Windy Faulkner has led the Union County Leadership Academy (UCLA) for the past three years. Each year she asks 6-7 advisors to help her with the academy.
“We go to each high school, speak to all juniors about the program and pass out applications,” says Faulkner.
L to R (Click to enlarge/download)
Rachel Rainey, Caroline Greer, Natalie Robbins, Sara Grace Robbins, Abbie Williams, Madison Shelton, Claudia Hill, Payton Taylor, Adalyn Aldridge, Carley Hill, Avery Grace Shaw, Sara Katheryn Harris, Avery Robbins, Lakyn Dulaney, AnnaMarie Fetter
Back row L to R
Becca Childers, Elise Dunnam, Maggie Meinz, David Greer, Jacob Gaines, Ellie Fitts, Keri Deaton, Emma Blakemore, Grace Aldridge, Tristian Robbins, Joseph Rutherford, Patyton Synder, Morris Kelly Clayton, Emma Myers, Katelyn Thompson, Ashlyn Saxon, Ivy Jordan, Sanders Goode,
Not pictured-Alexus Gilliam
Leaders-Mike Nobles, Junior Sanders, David Goode, Amanda Kent, Lindy McManus, Windy Faulkner
Once applications are turned in, the advisors get together to rate the applications. Then participants are notified, and the academy begins with a retreat where participants to get to know each other, since they are from five different schools.
The academy lasts ten weeks, with students performing individual study, attending group sessions and participating in a group projects. Guest speakers and training sessions focus on identification of leadership skills, team building exercises, procedures for goal setting, personal profile analysis, network building, and improving communication skills
Students are divided into five groups, and each group decides on a service project to complete. The night of the graduation each group gives a presentation on their project.
Windy Faulkner presenting $1000 scholarship to Payton Synder
The scholarship is voted on by the students. It represents a student who displays leadership characteristics throughout the program.
This year the academy began September 7 and ended November 16. Parents are invited to the graduation. Parents and students have dinner, followed by the student presentations and graduation ceremony.
During the graduation ceremony one student ( who is nominated by peers) receives a $1000 scholarship. This year’s winner is Payton Snyder.
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