Junior Leadership Florence County is accepting applications

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FLORENCE, S.C. – The Clemson Extension Service, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and Francis Marion University are accepting applications for the 2018-19 Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program through Friday.

To apply, students must live in or attend school in Florence County and must be classified as a high school sophomore or junior during the 2018-19 school year.

The program enables students to develop leadership skills while increasing awareness. Beginning in August, selected participants will attend an opening retreat, followed by eight monthly sessions. Sessions focus on leadership skills, successful team work, health care, community awareness, business and industry, agriculture, government, history, art and education.

“The hope is that in learning about what it takes to be a leader and what makes Florence County unique, these young men and women will be empowered to assume leadership positions in their own community as they become available,” said Florence County 4-H agent Faith Truesdale. “We are starting the pipeline of smart, talented visionaries that our area needs for continued progress and growth.”

Chamber President Michael Miller said this is an outstanding program that has resulted in amazing reviews by students and parents.

“The opportunity to participate in this process is priceless and should be promoted heavily within our local schools systems,” Miller said.

Up to 25 students will be selected for the program, which is open to any public, private or home-schooled student who lives in or attends school in Florence County.

“This program has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, meet new people and learn more about what is taking place in our county,” said Morgan McManus, a 2016 program graduate.

Applications and information can be found at jrleadershipflorencecounty.com or by contacting high school guidance counselors, the Florence County Extension Office or the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide partnership of federal, state and county governments and the private sector.