I would like to start by sincerely thanking the businesses the Mason G. Smoak Foundation Youth Leadership Highlands program visited, such as Heartland Horses, Ridge Area ARC, the Champion for Children's Foundation, and many more nonprofits in Highlands County. All of these organizations have one single goal in common: provide a beneficial service to the citizens in Highlands County and all of these organizations have wonderful and caring people leading them and all need suppo

On December 9th 2021, I had my eyes opened by so many programs and organizations that help with homeless, disabled, and elderly citizens of Highlands County. One thing I learned about each of these organizations is that all they want is to give back to their community with nothing in return except to see the joy on so many people’s faces when they get the help they need in order to survive. When I found out how many people needed that help in order to just live another day, i

Not every field trip type event I have been on has been as successful as the one we went on in November for YLH Government Day. How many kids get to say they’ve been inside their county jail, talked to a circuit court judge, seen K-9’s in action, and learn they might consider a different career after just one day of touring around our “little” town? I was truly excited and amazed throughout my entire day because even when we are sitting in a room and being spoken to, I still