HENDERSON, Ky. — The latest group of emerging community leaders from the 16th 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:
- A Cooler Riverfront- This initiative is taking on the “cool” task of bringing some shade to our riverfront. The goal of this group is to install shaded park benches along Henderson’s downtown riverfront, their contribution in creating a more inviting space for families, visitors, and our community to gather, rest, and enjoy the view of our growing downtown area! Together, they plan to build a place where everyone wants to sit, stay and enjoy our city’s greatest natural asset. They hope for a completion date of spring or early summer of 2026- just in time to need some shade
Presenting this project were HLI class members Allyson Davis, Angel Hill, Garrett Greenwell, Justin Duke, Travis Owens, and Trevor Brown.
- East End: The Next Chapter- This Henderson Leadership Initiative group is devoted to the East End with their mission being to bring neighbors together and celebrate the East End community through art and shared purposes. They are committed to celebrating the East End history, strengthening neighborhood pride, and creating visible improvements shaped by the people who live and work there. Their initiative will continue through three phases: one, preserve the Welcome to the East End sign; two, a community paint by number mural; and three, two annual East End scholarships. You’ll want to learn their timeline so you can be a part of their exciting endeavor.
Presenters included Conner Mattingly, Ellie Kellen, Fabian Sanchez, Kaitlin Osborne, Maggie VanZant, Niya Davis, and Zach Charville.
- Joel Hopper Day of Service- This initiative, The Joel Hopper Day of Service, unites Henderson Leadership Initiative Fellows in honoring the legacy of one of HLI’s founding leaders who passed away last year. The day begins with a networking breakfast and tribute program followed by meaningful service projects throughout the Henderson community that reflect Joel’s commitment to servant leadership. It is also a way to bring the Fellows back together which was something Hopper always strongly encouraged. This event will occur on March 20, 2026.
Presenters included Ann Logan, Laken Duncan, Madelyn Pressley, and Rachel Trout.
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered- The mission of this initiative is to share a consistent and welcoming message that reflects Henderson’s identity as a community! By installing Henderson County branded signage at three entrances from the surrounding counties, this group hopes to convey our community’s energy and pride at all junctures. Along with these three new signs, the group has already arranged and completed signage on the I-69 overpass on Highway 60 East.
Presenters included Carrie Gentry, Grace Hodge, Jackson Hogg, Kristin Jackson, and Reade Mattingly.
“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, Henderson Leadership Initiative has graduated more than 300 HLI Fellows for community service.
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