Recently, several students from Scotland High School completed the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Leadership program. One participant, Terrance McCallum, will continue his leadership training by attending the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Challenge at North Carolina State University in July.

McCallum is a senior at Scotland High School with a strong interest in chemistry. After high school, he plans to attend a four-year university and major in biochemistry or nursing. Afterward, McCallum says he plans to attend medical school and study oncology.

“I enjoyed the Junior Leadership Scotland program, because it gave me the chance to enhance my leadership abilities,” McCallum said. The opportunity to further his leadership development is key to his growth. “In my mind, improvement is what is most important. I believe that the Shelton Leadership Challenge will give me the skills I need to continue on my path to becoming not only a great leader, but also a highly productive member of society.”

This marks the first year the chamber has extended the opportunity to Junior Leadership graduates. “Our Education Committee decided last year that the Shelton Challenge would be a good supplement to our program,” said Matt Kendall, chamber program director. “Terrance showed a lot of enthusiasm and interest during the Junior Leadership program, and we thought he would make a great representative for Scotland County in the Shelton Challenge.”

Named after General Hugh Shelton, the Shelton Leadership Challenge is a six day experience to help participants expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be a leader. Participants have the opportunity to take part in team-building activities, low and high ropes courses, service projects and nightly activities to get to know others participating in the program. The program is administered through North Carolina State University, though sessions are held at UNC-Charlotte and at Fayetteville State University also.

The Junior Leadership Scotland program is open to any high school sophomore or junior that lives in Scotland County. Students will spend each month learning about Scotland County by meeting with various government and business leaders. With a better understanding of the workings of government, education, business and industry, participants will have the necessary tools needed to compete and lead others through the increasing challenges of tomorrow’s workplace. Applications for the next program will be available at the beginning of the new school year, and students will be chosen to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.

McCallum believes the experience will serve him well in the coming years. “I hope to gain even more confidence in my leadership abilities and the ability to inspire others to believe in those abilities,” he said. For more information about the Junior Leadership program or the Shelton Leadership Challenge, contact the chamber at 276-7420.