Classmates of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy marked their halfway point Tuesday morning during a lecture by organizational moderator Steve Grill.

With White Paper projects evolving into finalized concepts and a deadline set for public presentation, Grill spoke with the class on the significance of properly communicating the proposals during a Project Proud event, scheduled for April 25 at Tippecanoe Country Club.

Grill stressed the importance of strong White Paper projects, which consist of strategic ideas to better various areas of Kosciusko County.

Currently, groups are proposing such ideas as a community dog park, a study of successful county comprehensive plans, and the rezoning of Kosciusko sewer projects. While still in a "rough draft" stage, all topics could change before the Project Proud deadline.

Grill said each KLA group would be assigned a 10-minute limit to presentations during the event. Tuesday's lecture focused on a strategy to best communicate the White Paper projects to the Project Proud audience.

"I don't think you can teach leadership," Grill said. "But there is one important skill that can be taught, and that's the ability to stand in front of folks and explain a topic so that they can understand it."

KLA groups now will be responsible for gathering data and sharpening concepts for their final presentation, while also continuing to meet with various public figures to learn more of local companies and community organizations.

Grill announced the graduation date is May 4. [[In-content Ad]]