During the most recent campaign and election cycle, candidates of every ilk talked about Selma’s future. They talked about their grand plans for what Selma is and what it could be.

But, just how many showed up to Saturday’s Distinguished Young Woman’s program at Pickard Auditorium? If there were any, we just didn’t see them.

For if they had been there, they would have seen Selma’s future. They would have seen a group of young women — both white and black — who have a vision for what they want to be.

There were future doctors, future lawyers and educators at every turn. Those who will lead our city for the next four decades or more were right there before us, talking about what they wanted to do, how they wanted “to be a light” for their community.

If they truly are the next set of leaders for Selma, Orrville, Valley Grande or wherever, then our society is pretty good shape.