According to

its organizers, Youth Leadership Fayette is designed to give participants

an opportunity to learn more about leadership in the community, including

how local government operates, the roles of local business, and helping

identify key traits demonstrated by successful leaders.

The inaugural

class will target Fayette County juniors and seniors and is set to begin

early next year. The group will meet for two programs a month through

the end of April.

Students will

be exposed to local government, spend a day at the State Capitol during

the legislative session, and participate in various business and industry

programs, as well as exploring social and cultural issues facing the county.

"We will

not put these highly talented students in a classroom with a lecture,"

said Fayette County Development Authority President Chris Clark. "We

want this experience to be hands-on, to be interactive. We want to engage

and excite and motivate our young people to become involved in their community,

to take on leadership roles now and in the future."

"I am

excited to have the opportunity to work with these young leaders,"

said George Trickey, program cochair. "I am looking forward to shining

the spotlight on the ideas, enthusiasm and talent of our young people."

Applications

for the 2001 inaugural class are available through the Chamber of Commerce

and through local high school guidance offices. Deadline for applications

is Nov. 15.

Forinformation,

phone Donna Worcester, Fayette County Schools Mentor/Tutor program coordinator,

at 770-460-3990, ext. 137, or Trickey at Georgia School Equipment Inc.

at 770-461-2090, ext. 14.