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Leadership Washington graduates third class
A total of 16 graduates received recognition for completing the year-long program, which exposes participants to different facets of taking on leadership roles within their communities and fosters a unified form of thinking for the county and region as a whole. Chairman of the program, Washington County Hospital Administrator Douglas Tanner explained that the program is a self-directed examination of what makes a community work. "The intention is not to steer the group in any particular direction of thought," he said, "but to look at the direction in which the county should go." Tanner said recent announcements of huge industry coming to the area with the potential for prosperity make Leadership Washington even more important. "We must learn to work together as a whole county," he said. "The graduates of Leadership Washington can play a huge role in accomplishing this."
"I salute the graduates of Leadership Washington," he began. "I think there are great benefits from participating in this program. You've developed some great friendships and fostered some lasting relationships. Be proud of Washington County. It's not perfect, but neither are all the other places."
Dr. Turner went on to talked about today's society and the increasing need for leaders. "The foundation for leaders begins with families and our families are in trouble," he said. "I encourage the graduates of this class to lead your family first." He laid out what he thinks the meaning of leadership is. He said leaders must be loyal and enthusiastic. "They must stick with it and they must have heart." Turner said leaders must also be dedicated and lead by example. "A teacher teaches by what he or she is and does," he added. "Taking responsibility is a key part of leadership," he said, "as well as the need to know what you are doing." Turner said a leader must also look on the lighter side by being able to laugh at himself or herself. But, most of all, leaders must be willing to take the initiative and portray the personality traits it takes to be a leader. "A leader has to know where he or she is going," he said. "All leaders develop a personality. They must have high moral standards to be successful." He concluded by telling the graduates to ask themselves what they have done civicly and what can they do for their county to make it a better place to live. "Don't let your leadership experiences end here tonight," he said. Scholarships awarded Each year Leadership Washington presents $500 scholarships to a student from each of the county's five high schools. The students who receive the scholarships are chosen on from applicants and are typically individuals who may not have received the highest honors, but exhibited qualities deserving of recognition. This year's recipients were Dustin Odom of Fruitdale High School, Lacy Blankenship of Leroy High School, Antoinette LaShawn Bell of McIntosh high School, Krystel Hurd of Millry High School and Daniel Kyle Pennington of Washington County High School. Annual golf tournament planned This year's class project of Leadership Washington will be to begin a golf tournament to support the program in an effort to help it become financially self-sufficient.
The tournament will be conducted at Deerfield Golf Club. A future announcement will tell golfers when it will be played and give specific sign-up information.
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