Leadership La Porte County honored its Adult Class at a luncheon held on Thursday, May 18th at Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City.
For the 33rd 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 past graduate of the program to receive the Robert J. Hiler, Jr. Outstanding Alumni Award. The award recognizes one alumnus who has demonstrated ongoing commitment 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, Betsy Kabelin Parkison.”
Parkison, a member of the 5th Leadership class (1989) received the award in recognition of her outstanding service to the community and her passion for serving on the board of the Stepping Stone Shelter.
In the words of her nominator, “Betsy was on the Stepping Stone Board before she had kids, took a 20 year hiatus, and came back. She has been the most effective and progressive board member to serve on the shelter board. She understands business and the needs of the clients and is a major role model who works well with all types of personalities.” Komasinski added, “She has quietly given of her time and talent, while inspiring others to be outstanding board members. Her commitment to community leadership is also reflected in events held at the family business, Kabelin Ace Hardware. Events such as the Dogs for Dollars program and Port Pit chicken events in their parking lot have helped countless organizations through the years.”
The program concluded with the formal recognition of the 33rd 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. Special recognition was given to the following class members for outstanding extra-curricular activity: Fr. Paul Nesta, Kandi Tague, Carol Spreitzer and Steven Oliver. Kim Peffely was recognized as the “class cheerleader” and will represent the class on LLC’s alumni and events committee. Pam Okosun was selected as the class member to serve on the Leadership Board of Directors. The class generously made a donation to Leadership La Porte County’s endowment fund, and shared individual feedback on the class experience.
Leadership La Porte County, Inc. a non-profit organization, has a mission to inspire, develop, cultivate and connect emerging and existing 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 nominate an individual for the 34th Adult Program beginning in September, contact Leadership La Porte County at 325-8223, or email: info@leadershiplaportecounty.com.
Click here to view the Leadership La Porte County 33rd Class.