Leadership Starke County Class Graduates

Members of the Leadership Starke County Class of 2014-2015 visit English Lake.
Members of the Leadership Starke County Class of 2014-2015 visit English Lake.

The Leadership Starke County class of 2014-2015 has graduated. The 15 participants spent the past nine months honing community leadership skills, building self-confidence and interacting with community leaders. The class included a student from each of the county’s three high schools. Members met one day per month at sites throughout the county and learned about local history, geography and culture, the local economy, government, education and social services. Strategic planning and service on boards were also covered.

To date 37 people have taken part in the community leadership training initiative. It is put on each year by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce, Community Services of Starke County and IU Health Starke Hospital. Courses are led by Jim Jessup, who has more than 30 years experience teaching community leadership initiatives, and Starke County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Mix.

This year’s graduates include Erica Davis from the Starke County Legacy of Women, Knox High School sophomore Katelyn Stacy, Sue McCormack from First Farmers Bank & Trust, Margaret Dalphond from IU Health, Diana Fletcher from IU Health Starke Hospital, Geary Manuel with GB & Sons Transport, Ancilla College student Taylor Kemble, North Judson-San Pierre High School junior Sierria Hale, social worker and student Amye Gourley, community volunteer Jacob Lippner, Oregon-Davis High School senior Jack Minter, college student Davey Johnston, Brandon Collins from the First National Bank of Monterey and Aaron Kochar from Porter-Starke Services.

Enrollment is now open for the next Leadership Starke County class. It begins in September and continues through next May. The $300 cost includes training, food and materials. A partial tuition reduction is available. Contact the Starke County Chamber of Commerce at 574-772-5548 or Community Services of Starke County at 574-772-7070 for more information.