The Southern Region 4-H recently hosted its annual Teen Leadership Conference (SRTLC), bringing together hundreds of young leaders across multiple states to develop skills, build connections and inspire community engagement.

The conference occurs once a year, bringing together teens from each state in the southern region of the U.S. to express their interest in leadership. By hosting state versus state competitions, SRTLC tests each team’s unity and pride. Students from different backgrounds come together in boldness to prove to themselves and the world they are worth being the future leaders of America. The national 4-H organization gives future leaders opportunities to become familiarized with different leadership spaces.

Some could say a teacher’s view of leadership can affect a student’s view. History teacher Fahim Rahman at Clover Hill defines leadership as an inspiring action.

“Leadership is selfless behavior, it’s meant to help those around you to the best of your ability,” Rahman said.

Students that are interested in becoming leaders often have an interest in politics. Student Cole Mumford from Windsor High School in Windsor, VA says he is inspired by political leaders.

“Paul D. Wellstone. He was one of the most honest and respectful politicians to ever live. I might not have agreed with him on some things, but the honesty and respect was there,” Mumford said.

Senior Alex Snodgrass from Jefferson County High School in Jefferson County Tennessee, believes that 4-H is a program that helps him grow as a person but also as a leader.

“4-H has helped me grow as a person and as a leader by giving me opportunities to express my liking for leadership,” Snodgrass said.