By: Joni Truex
KLA Public Information Director

Northernor Award Panel members Jean Northenor, KLA founder; Brad Bishop, OrthoWorx; and Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, listen to the KLA White Paper presentations at Project Proud. (Photo provided)

Tuesday morning was the unveiling of the 2013/2014 Kosciusko Leadership Academy White Paper Projects. Project Proud allowed all cadets the opportunity to explain their topics, research and findings to their fellow classmates, an esteemed panel of judges, KLA Board Members, sponsors, employers and interested citizens.

The topics covered included 2-1-1, nonprofit forum, Wagon Wheel Theatre, heart safe community, Christian ministry, and the U.S. 30 overpass.

Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets formed teams of 3 to 5 individuals then determined a need in the community, researched solutions and presented the information at Project Proud. This year’s class projects tackled a variety of interesting social and community needs.

Each year, there are White Paper Projects that come to fruition and are introduced at Project Proud. This year, the Heart Safe Community program was demonstrated and the Christian based Volunteer Engagement Directory was printed and distributed to attendees.

The white paper 2-1-1 — Where to Turn when Connecting People to the Right Community and Social Resources in Kosciusko County — explained the vast amount of assistance that can be tapped through this little known free resource.

Collaborate Kosciusko: A Nonprofit Forum to Further Philanthropy, looked at providing nonprofit interested entities ways to share resources, concerns and best practices among themselves.

Community Arts & Theatre Market Research Project outlined the possibility of community input and initiating a capital campaign for improvement, expansion and continuity of the Wagon Wheel Theatre.

Ride + Walk U.S. 30 Overpass examined possibilities for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross 30 via an overpass.

In addition to the self-gratification from completing these worthwhile White Paper Projects, there is a financial award given due to the generous support of Jean Northenor. The projects are presented to a panel of three judges who determine the award winner. This year’s judges included Jean Northenor, founder of KLA; Brad Bishop, OrthoWorx; and Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The award winner will be announced at the KLA Graduation Banquet on April 21.

KLA is a not-for-profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through White Paper Projects.