The Leadership Ballard Program is a partnership between the Ballard County Middle School and Extension Office. For school year 2022-2023 Leadership Ballard had eighteen students that were peer-elected to take part in the program. For the 2023-2024, school year students had to submit an application to be accepted into the program. There are thirty-three students in the Leadership Ballard Program this year. Throughout the year, they have lessons on Team Building, Communications, Leadership Styles, Manners and Etiquette. They take trips throughout the county to visit city government and make a trip to the State Capitol.

On December 7, 2023, the students has their Manners and Etiquette lesson. Overviewing the history of etiquette and the role of table manners in making a good impression. Place settings and proper utensil usage along with many do’s and do not’s presented in a hands on demonstration at the Ballard High School Cafeteria. Thirty-three participants went through this lesson from Ballard County ANR Agent Tom Miller, with assistance from Ballard FCS Agent Sarah Drysdale.  Even with such a large group, the students seemed engaged and hopefully learned some things in the process. Their proficiency will be evaluated at the end of year sponsors banquet, where groups of students will be paired with individual sponsors for dinner at the completion of the leadership program.