Nearly 100 young men from public schools in Dallas County attended Project Alpha’s conference Friday, which was focused around teaching responsibility.

The conference took part at Wallace Community College Selma and based on accounts, it seemed to be received well by the young men that attended.

We need more events like the one Project Alpha held Friday. While we all believe in our youth and the bright future ahead of many of them, sometimes we all read a story or see a young person do something that makes us shake our head and hesitate about how ready they truly are for the life ahead of them when they exit high school.

It all starts with responsibility, which is why those in charge of Project Alpha should be commended for the time they spent Friday. Any kind of leadership role — whether that be mayor, police chief, or being a father — starts with responsibility and understanding that life choices not only affect oneself, but also those around them.

Like all communities, Selma could use more leaders. Teachers and principals can’t do it all; we also need leaders in the hallways and among the students.

It won’t be long before the students that were sitting in the audience Friday will be in charge of this community and making important decisions. Preparing them for that future can only be a good thing for Selma and Dallas County.

We hope those in attendance took what they heard to heart and will pass it on to others.