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By Staff Report

The Selma Times-Journal

  The Selma Chapter of the Links Incorporated partnered with area schools as  part of our Services to Youth Program “Closing the Gap for Success after High  School” designed to prepare young people to succeed as productive citizens in the  global workforce and promote healthy lifestyles.

  The program’s participants this  year included young adults in foster care who are especially vulnerable in the  transition to adulthood. Thirty five students from Selma High School and Dallas  County ranging from 9th to 12th grade were engaged in five sessions that focused  on skills for independent living and life after high school.

The five sessions  conducted throughout the months of February and March with speakers in Dallas  County and the surrounding areas were as follows:

• Session One – Bullying Prevention and Self-Esteem with emphasis on conflict  resolution on jobs which was presented by Bree Williams, student at University  of Alabama studying mental health.

• Session Two – Health and Wellness by Carolyn Deyampert-Grider who spoke  on healthy eating and daily exercise.

• Session Three – auto insurance and gap insurance presented by LaShauna  Taylor, agency owner of Farmers Insurance.

• Session Four – Financial Literacy provided by Tanesha Purifoy who is manager  at Wells Fargo bank here in Selma.

• Session Five – Career Development, Financial Aid and Scholarships presented  by Dr. Willetta Conner with the Alabama Department Education.

The program ended March 27th with a graduation for the participating  seniors held at Selma Performing Arts Building. 

The speaker for the  occasion was Ivana Angion, a social studies teacher at Park Crossing in  Montgomery, former participant in Services to Youth Programs.

Each  of the seniors at the graduation received a scholarship for 100 dollars. 

  During the celebration, the chair of the Services to Youth program,  LaShundra Taylor, thanked the administration and staff of the participating  high schools especially Patricia Farrior and Dorothy Moore. 

  In addition to the annual youth program, the Selma (AL) Chapter gives out  four or more college scholarships every year and encourages students to apply. 

  To apply, students should check with the counselors at their school.