Leadership Marion County recognizes eight graduates
Eight Marion County leaders were honored Monday night during a graduation ceremony for the 2002 class of Leadership Marion County.
They represented a cross-section of city officials, business people, and civic leaders from communities across the county.
Participating in this year's class were: Jared Jost, Hillsboro; Steve Garrett, Hillsboro; Jessica Laurin, Marion; Racquel Thiessen, Goessel; Monica Leihy, Tampa; Joanna Brazil, Peabody; Jane Pigorsch, Lincolnville; and Kay Geiman, Lehigh.
Geiman was unable to attend Monday night's activities, which were held at the Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro.
After introductions by Tom Alstrom, chairman of Leadership Marion County, and a catered dinner, guest speaker Val DeFever delivered the evening's address.
Wichita Mayor Bob Knight was originally scheduled to speak, but he had to cancel due to a conflict, said board member Cari Garbo.
State board member
DeFever is the 9th District representative of the state board of education.
DeFever grew up in Independence. She has run a music store there for the past 14 years, and before that taught for 14 years, she said.
Being a leader isn't an easy thing, DeFever said. It's not something you slide into — it can require struggle.
"Leadership is a matter of choice and commitment," DeFever said.
A good leader needs not only to be aware of the present but also have a vision for the future, DeFever said. He or she needs to have the best interests of others at heart, not just look out for selfish interests.
"You have to think in terms of what's best for everyone," she said.
That also means having a willingness to change and learn, DeFever said.
DeFever gave an example of a situation in her own hometown of Independence. When a Wal-Mart store showed interest in moving to the area, many local citizens opposed it, saying that it would put local retailers out of business.
But DeFever's husband, who was on the city commission, realized that in the system of free enterprise, Wal-Mart had the right to be there too, she said.
Eventually, Wal-Mart's presence resulted in two local grocery stores closing, she said.
Everyone wants economic development, but not everyone is willing to change, she said.
"You've got to think beyond what is obvious to you," DeFever said.
The challenges of leadership can be a burden, but don't be afraid of that burden.
"Have a passion for it," DeFever said.
After DeFever's address, each graduae was awarded a plaque and given the opportunity to share what they'd learned over the course of the seven-month leadership program.
Make it happen
While most remarked on the good food and interesting sessions, many also stressed the importance of taking what they'd learned back to their communities.
It's now up to the class to put it into action, said Joanna Brazil of Peabody.
Leadership Marion County was founded in 1989 as a part of the Marion County Economic Development Council. The program exposes present and future county leaders to various aspects of Kansas life, from local agriculture and industry to state government.
The class of eight individuals went to seven day-long sessions, which began in February. The sessions dealt with topics such as county government, county education systems, local agricultural businesses, industries, and health care facilities.
