HENDERSON, Ky. — The latest group of emerging community leaders from the 12th 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:
- Friends of the Market: This initiative is intended to help promote the Henderson Farmers Market, educate consumers through cooking classes and assist with any undertaking to create a farmers market venue in Downtown Henderson.
Presenting this project were HLI class members Aaron Daniels, J.T. Payne, Casey Todd and Addison Bradley.
- Juneteenth celebration: Participants will work with other community members to organize an observance in Downtown Henderson of the federal holiday on June 19 each year that commemorates the emancipation of African-American slaves.
Presenters included Mi’Oshi Holloway, Ryan Nunn, Timothy Miller, Heath Cox and Courtney Ferguson.
- Helping Henderson: This initiative in conjunction with the Volunteer & Information Center will create an online database of volunteers with specific interests that could assist with special events, community cleanups, in times of emergency or in working with youth, seniors or people with special needs. Organizers hope to encourage 500 volunteers to register by this spring at com/HelpingHenderson
Presenters included Maggie Collier, Megan McElfresh, Collin Taylor, Whitney Laird and Patrick Neel.
- Foster Parent Respite: This initiative will spread awareness of the need for adults to volunteer to serve as short-term foster parents to assist existing foster parents who need help because of a medical situation or other temporary issue. Information is available at com/FosterRespiteCare
Presenters included Joshua Stanley and Brian McDaniel.
“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 225 HLI Fellows for community service.
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