Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer took time recently to share principles of leadership and success with area youth participating in a church summer camp program.

The C.A.P.S. Youth Academy is a ministry of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and hosts dozens of area youth through a summer enrichment program. The academy exposes young people to various community leaders, programs and features designed to help them grow emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Dyer spoke to the youth on eight key principles that can help them find success in life. Those principles include setting the right goals, focusing on education and preparation, maintaining their physical, emotional and behavioral health, the importance of drive, the need for endurance, resourcefulness, discipline and a reliance on God.

“I appreciated the opportunity to speak to the youth about some of the things that have served me well, but that I also think will set them up for success,” Dyer said. “There are some universal principles -- goal setting, drive, discipline -- that are important regardless of whatever career field they go into. If we can help instill these values in youth at a young age, their chances of success grow.”

After the presentation, Dyer spent time answering questions from students about his role as superintendent and public education in general.