Brett Gray, a sophomore at Montevallo High School, was chosen by his teachers to represent his school at the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference in Montgomery this past spring. That was the springboard for Brett to the World Leadership Congress.

At the seminar, the students were observed very carefully. Brett was among 15 chosen for interviews and from those, he and Megan Smith of Hartselle High School were selected for scholarships to the World Leadership Congress in Los Angeles.

In late July, they spent seven days on the campus of the University of California engaged in activities and programs designed to enhance their leadership abilities.

“We were all just ecstatic when we learned that Brett had gotten that scholarship,” said Cathy Barber, counselor of MHS. “That is such an honor, both for Brett and for this school. Everyone here is so very proud of him.”

We met recently with Brett and we were extremely pleased with his sincerity and his enthusiasm for those things he learned at the seminar. We asked why he thought he had been chosen.

“I am firm in my faith in Jesus Christ,” he said “And I try to let that show in everything I do. I participated in the Leaders of Tomorrow program at the middle school, and I believe that set me up for where I am now.”

Brett told us how impressed he was with the different exercises they were given at the seminar, particularly one that demonstrated and proved the power of thinking positively.

He explained he thinks it’s very important to be open to outside ideas, to be able to see the bigger picture and to choose the right thing to do, whether his own idea or someone else’s.

Brett is a well-rounded teenager, he makes good grades, plays football, takes his role as a leader very seriously and is popular with his peers.

His proud parents are Mark and Kim Gray.