Selected by the respective schools of NP-Liberty, NP-Mansfield, and the New Covenant Academy, the students are featured in portrait displays by Photos by Dart and displayed at sponsoring banks and at NP Liberty High. Students write an essay on leadership and are interviewed by a committee of the Chamber to determine the Youth Leaders of the Year from each school. From those top three students an overall Youth Leader of the Year is also selected.

Students and parents are invited to a banquet at the end of February with a keynote speaker and awards presented to the students. A total of 831 students have been honored since the program started. 

At the banquet, top students are presented with several awards, including plaques. Guidance Counselors from each school introduce their students, sharing their achievements and future plans.

Bruce Dart adapted the program from a national consultant named Lisle Ramsey and it was administered by the Mansfield Chamber to highlight the contributions the students make to their schools, their community and their church. 

Top students also receive a cash award presented on behalf of sponsors and commendations from our state legislators.

For most of the years he was totally involved with the program, Bruce also served as Master of Ceremonies.  He turned it over to the Chamber after 32 years.

The Anniversary speaker is set to be State Representative Clint Owlett. A total of 12 students participated in this year’s program.