HENDERSON, Ky. — The latest group of emerging community leaders from the 14th class of the Henderson Leadership Initiative presented four community improvement initiatives at a commencement ceremony on Thursday evening.
Presented to HLI Fellows, community leaders, friends and family at the commencement were the following initiatives:
● Manufacturing Academy: This initiative partners with Henderson Economic Development to take a group of middle school students from both North and South Middle Schools on visits to various local manufacturers introducing them to a potential future occupation. By engaging students earlier in possible manufacturing careers, the hope is to get them started on that path and help them realize that there are wonderful job opportunities to keep them right here in their hometown.
Presenting this project were HLI class members Stephanie Owen, Ryan Reusch, Sandra Story, and Curtis Williams.
● Teacher Supply Store: This initiative will assist all teachers in Henderson County by giving them free access to classroom supplies. In partnership with the Henderson Kentucky Education Foundation, the “teacher locker” will be stocked with numerous supplies to help educators enhance instruction and will be located at the Central Academy. The store is set to open in July of this year and volunteers are definitely welcome.
Presenters included Adam Blythe, Winston Chaney, Tyler Comer, Shawna Harrington, Katie Kirkwood, Marcos Nicolas Jr, and Maggie Whitledge.
● Connect Henderson: This initiative is sponsoring a civic/community engagement fair. The event, which is like speed-dating for volunteers, is called “Connect Henderson” and will be hosted on February 6, 2024. The event will take place at the Henderson County Public Library from 5 – 7:30 and is open to ANY community member who is new to Henderson or who simply wants to be more engaged in the Henderson community. There are currently over 15 organizations participating in the event as vendors.
Presenters included Kate Faupel Grealish, Terry Harmon, Kara Henshaw, Sean Leavelle, Christine Martin, Nick Nation, Dee Patel, and Samantha Reynolds.
● Welcome to Colonel Country Roundabout: This initiative has commissioned a sculptural art installation for the upcoming roundabout (nearest Henderson County High School) scheduled for construction in 2024 as part of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing Project in Henderson. Michael Wright, who is with Stone Art, Inc. is the artist designing the Colonel sculpture which will be finalized shortly after the roundabout is completed. This 15-foot colored, concrete sculpture will promote our Colonel spirit and will be a welcoming sight to all those traveling in and through our lovely city.
Presenters included Allie Brasher, Kelly Douglas, Amanda Hardy, Brittany Kitchens, and Glennese Patterson.
“The brainstorming of community projects has been a hallmark of HLI since the program launched in 2007.,” Scott Davis, an HLI co-founder who chairs the organization’s board, said. “The initiatives are intended to benefit Henderson as well as provide practical experience in community leadership to class members.”
With Thursday’s commencement, HLI has graduated more than 260 HLI Fellows for community service.
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