Leadership Jasper County Graduates Class of 2017-18
Leadership Jasper County graduated the 2017-18 class this week. The Community Leadership Program works to create a network of willing, knowledgeable and committed leaders to step up and make a difference in their community.
The Community Leadership Program was designed by several Purdue Extension faculty and staff to assist potential leaders in communities around the state to learn more about themselves, leadership, communication, working with groups and volunteers as well as developing a better understanding of local and state government.
Through video presentations, research, workshops, tours and panels the participants have grown as individuals and as leaders for our community.
Guest speaker for the evening was Kendell Culp who congratulated the group on their willingness to step up and help the community, and encouraged them to look for opportunities to contribute to the world around us. He also talked about the need to understand that what happens in Jasper County has an impact, not only locally but globally, and encouraged everyone present to make that a positive impact.
Following the presentation of the graduation certificates, the class presented their class project. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, approximately 20,000 children are reported as missing each year. Whether a child wanders off, runs away, or is abducted, it is imperative to get valuable information to the police as quickly as possible. Information such as a child’s name, age, height, medical conditions and appearance are crucial to emergency services personnel as they begin a search. Having an ID card and information on file with the department will be invaluable if a child goes missing.
The class worked to raise funds for Jasper County to have their own Child ID Trailer. They presented Chief Deputy Pat Williamson with a Check for $10,000 to purchase the trailer and equipment. Donations are still being accepted for this project at the Jasper Newton Foundation and any donation should be designated Child ID Trailer.
Members of the class include front Richelle Winstead, Debbie Kristoff, Lindsey Dykstra, Pat Williamson accepting the check, Kyle Goodwin, Kristie Taulman, Katie Hall. Back row, Kevin Cochran, Evie Bristol, Drew Zromkoski, Mark Jones, Stacey DeYoung and Belinda Moran.
A new leadership class will begin in September. Contact Alice Smith at Purdue Extension Jasper County for details. She can be reached at 219-866-5741 or smit1357@purdue.edu.
