The Leadership Selma-Dallas County program came full circle for the nineteenth time Friday, as the new class kicked off with a breakfast get together.

Former leadership classmates attended the breakfast to welcome the new Class of XIX as they headed out for a weekend retreat at the 4-H Center in Shelby County.

Several board members were recognized after stepping down from their positions.

“We now have a sweet and sad moment,” said Leadership Selma-Dallas County board member Tim Reeves. “This is a chance for us to recognize those who are leaving the board and truly appreciating those for what they have meant to this program.”

Cindy Mosely, who stepped down as the board’s treasurer, replaced by Dewauna Vinson and Miah Jackson, was introduced as the incoming board president, replacing Ann Thomas.

Long time program director Carolyn Powell announced earlier this year her plans to leave the program and that became official Friday as she welcomed interim director Beth Taylor. Taylor is the former principal of Byrd Elementary School, who retired last year.

State Rep. and Leadership alum Darrio Melton gave inspiration to the incoming class during the program.

Melton told a story of an eagle that found shelter with chickens and slipped into its comfort zone to explain the importance of becoming a leader in the community.

“Sometimes in life you get so comfortable with how things are that you never want to change,” Melton said. “You just go from day-in and day-out going through the same routine.”

Melton said in the story the farmer took the eagle to the top of a mountain, away from the chickens and once it saw another eagle it finally took off, and flew away. He explained chickens wait to be fed, but eagles go and catch their prey. Sometimes leaders reflect this metaphor by not using their potential.

“You are surrounded by all kinds of eagles inside of here, but who knows, somebody might be waiting for you to fly and become a leader that you ought to become,” Melton said. “The greatest moment in your life is when you move past your comfort zone.”

The members of Class XIX departed on a two-day retreat at the 4-H Center and will begin their monthly sessions in September. The program ends with a graduation session in May.