As I covered Wednesday’s meeting about the Boys and Girls Club potentially coming to Selma and offering another solution to juvenile violence, I was hit with the stark reminder that so many youth have taken a wayward path, not just in Selma, but around the country.

Anything that aims to keep young people on the right path should be welcomed and embraced by every community.

So many youths have been lost to senseless violence here and everywhere, but the rest of Wednesday brought me into contact with two young individuals who should serve as an example of just what Selma’s young people are capable of.

After leaving the meeting about the Boys and Girls Club I went to Morgan Academy to witness Morgan running back Parker Hughes sign a scholarship to play football at Faulkner University.

One of the main things Hughes preached as keys to his success were hard work, education and dedication.

Those are the very keys that every child should utilize to ensure a positive future.

Following the visit to Morgan, I interviewed Ellwood Christian Academy basketball player Michael Smith.

Smith was recently selected as a member of a United States basketball team made up of youths from around the country that will travel to play in South America, Europe and the Caribbean over the summer.

One thing that stood out to me when talking to Smith was how he emphasized the event as a chance to go out and set a positive example of Selma aside from the image that is far too often shared outside this community.

Smith also talked about hard work and a willingness to learn in order to improve at what he does.

Both Smith’s and Hughes’ mindsets are proven to lead to success in life.

Both should serve not only as a positive example of young people dedicated to doing good, but also as examples that Selma’s youths are truly capable of great things.