DEMOPOLIS &045; Youth Lead Marengo held a leadership session for students yesterday at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital.

Students from Demopolis High School, John Essex High School and West Alabama Preparatory attended the meeting meant to foster leadership skills. The session was one of four scheduled for the year for the group of students.

The meeting focused on economic development and recreation and their effects on the community. Mark Pettus, from Demopolis Sportsplex, talked about the importance of recreational facilities in the economics and tourism of an area, while Brandon Smith, from the corps of engineers, talked about the importance of waterways to the Demopolis economy.

The students also participated in a group project presented by Lovie Burrell Park that gave them a monthly income and made them produce a budget based on the income.

Peter Combo spoke to the students about what it takes to be successful and what constitutes a good leader. His appearance was sponsored by New Era, and his ability to get the crowd involved made his talk a crowd favorite.

Catherine Meador said that the Youth Lead Marengo program is in its second year, but that it has grown considerably since it began. The board last year for the organization consisted of four members but has since grown to 14 members.

Meador said that the students currently in the program had to apply for their spots. They were required to have a teacher and principle reference to go with their applications.

Meador also said that the program meets the requirements set forth in the Demopolis strategic plan set forth by the city council to cultivate a new generation of city leaders. She said as the program receives new sponsors and is joined by more volunteers it intends to include students from all schools in Marengo County.