Tynisha Walton, an eighth grade student at Washington-Wilkes Middle School, attended a Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., July 17-26.

During the conference she took part in educational activities and presentations; met with elected officials; and visited historical sites such as Williamsburg and Harper’s Ferry. The National Museum of American History and other monuments in Washington, D.C., were other destinations visited.

The students studied the leadership skills of leaders in events throughout American history, including the Civil War, World War II, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Tynisha had the opportunity of using her own leadership skills in modern conflicts such as poverty and the development plans of addressing the matters of our own hometowns. Leaders of the conference report that students benefit by receiving a greater understanding and awareness of what a vital role leaders play in American democracy. The leaders view the program as a great way for students to increase their leadership skills and abilities.

Tynisha was nominated for the conference by her homeroom teacher, Geneva Glaze, who recognized her as “one of a select group of students with the scholastic merit, maturity and responsibility to represent W-WMS.” In 2004, Tynisha won first place in the sixth grade Young Georgia Authors Competition for her essay, “My Dream to Become a Lawyer.” She is an honor roll student and a member of the middle school band, the 4-H Club, and the junior varsity basketball team as a power forward. She is also a member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church where she sings in the youth choir and is a member of the Usher Board.

In applying for consideration to attend the conference, Tynisha wrote the following short essay.

“The Wilkes County school system has had a great influence on me but through it all Marching Band has had the most meaning for me. Band isn’t just what one automatically thinks of, music or instruments. To me band is a motivational, preparedness and a physical challenging class. Band motivates you to try hard, both mentally and physically, and to practice with determination. I have learned that if a person is motivated, prepared, and able, she/ he will succeed. Thanks to the Marching Band, I am moving forward!”

Rev. Robert L. Crawford, pastor of Mulberry Missionary Baptist, expressed gratitude to the contributors in the Wilkes and Lincoln communities for their donations of $2,767 to the Tynisha Walton JrNYLC Fund.

TYNISHA WALTON