Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Beginning with a playful opening speech by Superior Court Judge Duane Huffer mimicking the Gettysburg address to an emotional slide show full of community thanks, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy recognized its silver anniversary Thursday.
KLA administration, past graduates and current classmates attended a ceremony marking the organization's 25 year history and the 2006 graduating class.
"We live in a near-perfect community. But it's the near-perfect part that keeps us striving to be better," Chamber of Commerce president Joy McCarthy-Sessing said during the event. "KLA is a perfect example of our county working together to improve where we call home."
More than 130 attendants, including the 25 current classmates, filled Tippecanoe Country Club for the night's festivities, including a dinner, graduation ceremony and presentation by guest speaker Mitch Roob, secretary of Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration.
Roob spoke of how to best utilize leadership abilities, focusing on realistic goals and plan management as important tools for success.
"People look for leaders when fundamental change is necessary," Roob said, using his current situation with the state's FSSA as an example of leadership through reorganization. "Leadership is granted from above, but truly needs to be earned by those who are led.
"Set attainable goals, because success always requires hard work. If you have a great idea, then rough out your plan. Don't make it precise. Rough it out."
Roob said the FSSA currently has a annual budget of $6.3 million and serves one million Hoosiers, but needs to practice better accounting standards to improve its capabilities in the future.
"Much like this organization, we are remaking the way we find success," he said.
Also presented during Thursday's ceremony was the Jean Northenor Project Proud Award, which gives $5,000 to a project called "Knowing the Village." It benefits local students by improving after-school activities and creating better environments for youth.
KLA classmates involved in the project were Mark Bonifield, Vickie Lootens, Gary Schott and Theressa Sterk.
Over the years, KLA has been responsible for numerous projects which have greatly impacted the county, including such ventures as the Sus Amigos program, Lake City Greenway Recreational Trails, the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy and even a 1997 research project on local deer overpopulation.
"I'm very proud of you all," KLA moderator Steve Grill said, addressing the graduating class and past members. "Our continued efforts to make Kosciusko great is the reason why KLA is still going strong while other leadership academies only last a handful of years.
"While it doesn't feel like it's really been 25 years, this is a remarkable landmark for us."
