The time comes — for all people in all things — to pass the torch and entrust responsibility to the next generation. Hannah Mason was recently chosen to take on the torch to serve as the sponsor for the Lincoln County Teen Age Republicans.

Mason said it’s a responsibility she does not take lightly.

“I thought about it and prayed about it for two months before accepting the sponsorship opportunity,” Mason said. “I know it’s a very big responsibility to have these students and their individual school sponsors look up to me as their leader.”

Mason is not new to leadership. While she attended Copiah-Lincoln Community college to study political science, she served as executive director of the Mississippi Federation of College Republicans.

It was at Co-Lin where she met Cindy Moore, who served as county sponsor since 2007. Mason credits Moore’s encouragement and mentorship with keeping her involved in politics, something she thinks is important for young people. Moore said mentorship is an important part of the position and she’s confident in Mason’s ability to take on the role.

“It has been my privilege to mentor students and create unique opportunities to increase their leadership skills, knowledge of how government works and participation in the election process — all while networking with local, state and federal officials,” Moore said in a written statement. “It has been a rewarding journey to watch students grow in knowledge, transition to College Republicans and promote conservative values as young professionals.”

Mason said she thinks it’s important for young people to get involved in politics early, from student government processes to political organizations like LC TARS.

“Not only does it help you and your school opportunities and job opportunities, it helps your schools and families on a broader scale,” she said.

Mason graduated from Co-Lin in May and now works for Forman Watkins and Krutz, a law firm in Jackson, where she has chosen to commute.

“Lincoln County is home,” she said.

Mason is not all politics. She enjoys shopping and playing with her younger cousins, and public service is a big part of her life. She has dedicated much of her time volunteering with Heritage Church, Doll’s House and other service organizations. Currently, she is coordinating a gift card drive to raise money for the Mississippi Center for Medically Fragile Children, a nonprofit whose mission is to build the first pediatric nursing facility in Mississippi.

“My priority every day is to give back to the community, to the people of Mississippi and ultimately make a difference in as many lives as possible,” she said. “I do my best to make a difference and encourage others to make a difference.”