Leadership La Porte County honored its 31st Adult Class at a luncheon held on Thursday, May 21 at Heston Hills Banquet Center.
For the 31st 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 leadership skills and getting involved in their community. Many thanks to Jim Jessup, who once again volunteered his time to serve as facilitator of the class. ” 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 proud to honor Bob’s spirit in recognizing outstanding community leadership. We are pleased to announce this year’s award recipient, Jason Clemons.”
Clemons, a member of the 30th Leadership class (2014) received the award in recognition of his dedication to serving those in need through his work with the Pax Center and State Street Community Church. Clemons is employed as the Director of the Pax Center, a new home to State Street Church’s long time food and clothing pantry. In his role as director of these programs, Clemons has passionately served those in need, while overseeing the large group of volunteers necessary to provide services to feed the hungry and to offer hope to those in need of assistance in their daily lives.
“Jason Clemons is an outstanding and humble leader who is committed to serving those in need. The work of State Street Community Church and the impact of efforts lead by Jason are significant,” Komasinski stated. Nate Loucks, Pastor at State Street Community Church spoke to the luncheon attendees about the qualities of Clemon’s leadership, citing his passion for serving and his compassion for those in need. He shared that serving those in need can be emotionally and physically challenging, yet Clemons has a way of staying positive, which empowers and encourages his volunteer team to stay motivated and passionate.
Clemons shared the personal growth and connections he made as a member of last year’s class, and encouraged this year’s graduates to make the most of the connections and experience they gained in the program.
An additional new award was also presented to an Outstanding Young Leader in La Porte County. Justin Kiel, a senior at La Crosse High School, was the first recipient of this award. Kiel was awarded this honor as a result of his service as a member of his town council and his work as publisher of a regional newspaper, all while still in high school. He was also a key member of the student planning committee for Leadership La Porte County’s High School program for the past two years.
Other local award recipients awarded earlier in the year were recognized at the event, including Ned E Kalb Award winner Diana Werner, South Shore Leadership Center “Leaders as Heroes” nominee Mike Sutton, Pastor of Liberty Bible Church, and “Leaders as Heroes” award winner Dion Campbell, Michigan City Police Officer & School Resource Officer at Michigan City High School. Andy Hynek, LaPorte County Sheriff Dept. and Bill Gertner, Horizon Bank, were mentioned as La Porte County residents honored with the Michiana Forty under Forty awards in April.
The program concluded with the formal recognition for the 31st class members for completing the program, which included monthly sessions on a variety of community leadership topics, a county bus tour, a trip to the State Legislature, and team projects. The 31st class also generously made a gift to the Jim Jessup Future Leaders Fund. Stacey Kellogg of IU Health La Porte Hospital was recognized for outstanding achievement on the extra-curricular activities suggested to the class.
For the past 31 years, Leadership La Porte County, a non-profit organization, has inspired, developed, cultivated and connected leaders to serve their diverse communities. With programs for adults, as well as middle school and high school students, Leadership La Porte County is committed to providing a forum for the development of community leaders. For more information on Leadership La Porte County, or to apply for the 32nd Adult Program, contact Monica Komasinski at 325-8223, or email: info@leadershiplaportecounty.com.