Celebrating Leadership and Community Impact: Pike County Leadership Program Graduation on April 23rd

Recently at the Azalea Path, the Pike County Leadership Program celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort. This event marked not only the culmination of months of hard work and dedication but also the beginning of a new chapter for these emerging leaders. With guest speakers Mayor Klipsch and State Representative Shane Lindauer in attendance, the ceremony was a testament to the profound impact of the Leadership Program on both individuals and the community.
This year’s graduating class: Jerry Blackwell from Pike County Courthouse Staff, Paulina Cazares from MiPatio, Rachel Cox from Kimball International, Reid Craig from Parsifal, Sara Davis from Parsifal,  Logan Meneely from r3 Renewables, Kalee Riddle from Parsifal, Cheyanne  Sallee from GE Tree Service,  Clayton Sallee from GE Tree Service, Rhiannon Warnell from Moose Lodge, and Amanda Woods from Tri-Cap.

The Pike County Leadership Program is not just about attending sessions; it's about actively engaging with the community, making connections and making a tangible difference. Over the course of ten full-day sessions, participants participated in various aspects of leadership, from communication, teamwork, managing conflict, and project management.
 
This year, the graduating class undertook on a community project of beautifying the Nature Trail at Hornady Park and enhancing the walking trail at Winslow Park.  At the Graduation, Cox and Davis presented the projects which included clearing the trail, signage and the creation of a butterfly garden at Hornady Park.  Winslow Park is receiving some TLC and the installation of a small walking bridge.
 
The success of the Pike County Leadership Program would not be possible without the efforts of its organizers and supporters. It takes many sponsors to put this program together and we are grateful for every one of them. Spearheaded by the Pike County Purdue Extension and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, the program is led by Brooke Goble, Executive Director of Pike County Purdue Extension, and organized by Jill Hyneman, Executive Director of Pike County Chamber of Commerce. The planning of the program is overseen by the Leadership Planning Committee, comprising Cindy Barber, Jon Craig, Brooke Goble, Jill Hyneman, Krista Robinette, Robin Smith, and Ashley Willis.
 
 With each new class, the program grows a network of leaders, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion to drive positive change in Pike County and beyond. It's exciting to hear that the next Leadership class will begin in October 2025. Keep an eye out for more details in the spring of 2025.