Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Kosciusko Leadership Academy is currently accepting applications for its 2001-02 class.
The academy will accept 25 new class members for the upcoming year, which promises to be an interesting one, especially for the classmates.
At KLA's year-end banquet in May, Matt Dalton, of Dalton Foundries, surprised everyone by donating $25,000 in honor of Jean Northenor, a long-time KLA supporter. Dalton asked that this money be used as an incentive for KLA students. As part of participating in KLA, students are asked to work with a partner to address a community issue and complete a White Paper Project. Each year for the next five years, $5,000 will be awarded to the students who produce the best KLA White Paper.
The class meets about 15 times per school year from September through April and class members are presented with information regarding the different aspects of our county, such as agriculture, government and health care. Relevant speakers are present at the rotating class sites to present the information and answer questions.
The classes are held for approximately two hours every other Tuesday morning to minimize the time that class members are away from their place of business.
Special events for the class throughout the year include a mixer party in the beginning of the year, an alumni breakfast where class members get the opportunity to interact with past KLA graduates, Project Proud to present White Paper projects and the annual year-end graduation banquet. The cost to participate in the class is $350 and most members are sponsored by a place of business. One scholarship is awarded each year and the tuition for the student selected for this is paid by KLA.
Officers for the upcoming year introduced at the May banquet are: Lisa Stewart, president; Linda Owens, vice president; Becky Moreno, secretary/treasurer; Mary Gerard, public information; Stephanie Noffsinger, curriculum chairman; Cathy Teghtmeyer, alumni relations; Karen Beck, special events; Jean Northenor, adviser; Steve Grill, moderator; and Jeff Thornburgh, selection chairman.
For those interested in applying for the class, applications are available at chamber offices throughout the county, the Warsaw Community Public Library and by contact Thornburgh, c/o Dekko Heating Technologies Inc., P.O. Box 337, North Webster, IN 46555, 834-2818. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15.
