By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

Most students use their precious summer days trying to think about school and school events as little as possible. Two Red Bay High School juniors, however, took the opportunity to use some of their time this summer to attend a forum that will help them throughout their lives.

Blake-Lee Dexter and Cassidy Kuykendall, both juniors at RBHS, attended the National Leadership Forum held in Searcy, Ark., June 2-7. The six-day event was an opportunity for the girls to learn about leadership and self-esteem.

“We sat through lectures about economics and how much we as the future working generation will impact the future,” said Dexter. “We also spent time talking about how important our thoughts of ourselves matter.  

“One particular lecture that really stood out to me was how the speaker talked about how some of the jobs that we will have in the future have not even been created yet.”

Both girls were nominated to attend this event by RBHS assistant principal Dr. Jacqueline Parsons. Both girls said they appreciated Parsons nominating them because not only did they learn a lot of valuable lessons, they also had a great time.

“My favorite part was getting to play games and chat with my new friends,” said Kuykendall. “We listened to lectures and learned a lot of great things about leadership, but I enjoyed meeting the people and having fun.”

Dexter also said while she is happy she gained so much valuable knowledge, having fun was also a major part of why she enjoyed the experience so much.

“One night the activity was karaoke,” said Dexter. “It was fun to get up and sing and dance. It was nice to see everyone getting along so well.”

Dexter is the daughter of Tasha and Rodney Strickland, and Kuykendall is the daughter of Benny and Holly Kuykendall.