Selma-Dallas County Youth Leadership Class XIX had its first official class Tuesday and made the most of its day by walking around downtown Selma visiting the Old Depot, the Selma Interpretive Center and more.

“What they’re learning today is all about the history of their hometown, Selma, what goes on in Selma and why people come to Selma, the significance of Selma to national history as well to our state history, so they can develop a sense of pride in their own community,” said Callie Nelson, interim director of leadership.

Nelson said this year’s class has already bonded during the initial weekend retreat, and she is excited to see what things will come out of the class.

“They came together really, really good when they went for the retreat,” Nelson said. “They bonded and got to know each other.”

Jalen Johnson, a junior at Selma High School, said he has already made new friends in the class, and he is looking forward to expanding his knowledge about the Queen City.

“I just see that I can make a change in my community. I see that I can promote better things for my peers and for the youth, I just want to make a change in my community,” Johnson said.

“If my voice can be heard, then I think I did something good in the community. This youth leadership is a positive thing to influence the community.”

Class XIX consists of 25 students from all seven area high schools, bring different backgrounds and personalities to one group.

“I wanted to join youth leadership because I felt like it was a good opportunity to get out and meet new people, network,” said Morgan Academy junior Cameron Bohannon.

“My goal in life is to be a politician so I think this was a good platform to jump off of and I hope to see Selma grow and maybe the same kids that in this class with me grow with me and Selma and maybe change this town around for the better.”

Will Kendrick, a senior at Dallas County High School, said he joined the class to strengthen his leadership skills and work toward a better Selma.

“There are some things for me that I don’t like abut Selma and that we can try to change about it and I feel like my leadership skills will be better after I finish the class, so that I can be a better leader for Selma whenever I grow up,” Kendrick said.

“I’d really like to see [Selma] grow more than it has because I know that we’ve got a lot of potential that’s just laying around waiting to be taken advantage of. I’m really just excited to see what kind of things we’ll be able to do this year.”

The class will meet nine times throughout the remainder of the school year and will give the students the opportunity to tour Selma business and factories and offer them an insight into what all the Queen City has to offer.