Leadership La Porte County honored its 30th Adult Class at a luncheon held on Thursday, May 22nd at Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City.
For the 30th year a group of La Porte County citizens have spent the past 9 months engaging in leadership skill-building, gaining information about La Porte County, and networking with local leaders. “The annual graduation celebrates and recognizes the leadership class as they prepare to use their knowledge and information to make a positive change in the community”, explains Monica Komasinski, Executive Director of Leadership La Porte County. “We are proud of the commitment this group has made to developing and practicing leadership skills. This group of dedicated professionals will undoubtedly make a difference in La Porte County. ” Twenty six individuals from throughout La Porte County successfully completed this year’s course.
At the event the Outstanding Leadership Alumni Award was also presented. Each year the board of directors of Leadership La Porte County chooses a graduate of its training programs to receive the Robert J. Hiler, Jr. Outstanding Alumni Award. The award recognizes the graduate who has demonstrated ongoing commitment and service to the Leadership organization, to his/her profession, and to the La Porte County community. The award is named in honor of Robert J. Hiler, Jr. (now deceased) who served as a board member, benefactor, and was an inspiration for many in the community.
“Bob Hiler was a true community leader who gave time, talent, and treasure to our organization and many others,” stated Komasinski. “We are pleased to announce this year’s Hiler award winner, Bruce R. Johnson.”
Johnson, a member of the 3rd Leadership class of 1986-1987 received the award in recognition of his outstanding long-term community service to La Porte county and beyond. He is a native of La Porte, Indiana, has degrees in education from Ball State and Valparaiso Universities, and has completed post-graduate work in international education while visiting universities in London, Paris, Moscow, and Beijing. He is a former Peace Corps Volunteer, a guest lecturer in education for seven years at Purdue University North Central, and a former elementary teacher for 38 years for South Central Community Schools in La Porte County, Indiana. He is now retired after 40 years in education.
Johnson has served on the Boards of Directors of numerous organizations, including the La Porte County Public Library Leasing Corporation, La Porte Little Theatre Club, La Porte Community Concert Association, Door Village Lions Club, La Porte County Spelling Bee, La Porte County Bicentennial Commission, La Porte Chapter of People to People International, Bethany Lutheran Church, La Porte County Literacy Coalition, the Friends of the La Porte County Public Library, and the La Porte County Historical Society.
He also completed requirements for La Porte County Master Gardner Association through Purdue University, and is a life member of both the National Education Association and Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Fraternity.
Johnson has been the recipient of many awards including the Earl A. Johnson Outstanding Service Award from Ball State University, the “Certificate of Merit” from the Indiana Department of Education, the Lifetime Achievement Award from People to People International, “Samaritan of the Year” Award from the Samaritan Counseling Centers of Northwest Indiana, La Porte County Historical Society “Historian of the Year” Award, a nominee for National PTA Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Educator Award, and a Top Ten Indiana finalist for the NASA Teacher-in-Space Project. He is also a world traveler, having visited more than 80 countries.
“Bruce Johnson is a fitting recipient of this year’s award as we celebrate our 30th anniversary at Leadership La Porte County. His outstanding leadership over many years is exemplary. He has excelled in every aspect of his career and embraced leadership roles in many organizations. We are proud to honor and recognize his efforts,” Komasinski stated.
Other recognition at the Graduation event included the awarding of Board Member Emeritus status to long-time Leadership La Porte County (LLC) board member Maggi Spartz. Maggi’s twenty years of service to the Board was rewarded with this lifetime honorary board member status. Also, two members of the “graduating” class were selected to serve three -year terms on the LLC Board. They are Dace Cunningham and John Penziol.
For the past 30 years, Leadership La Porte County, a non-profit organization, has inspired, developed, cultivated and connected leaders to serve their diverse communities. For more information on Leadership La Porte County, or to apply for the 31st Adult Program, contact Monica Komasinski at 325-8223, visit www.leadershiplaportecounty.com, or email: info@leadershiplaportecounty.com.