‘We Lead Kosciusko’ team of Mikie Crate, self-sponsored; Stephen Coble, Instrumental Machine & Development; Terry Sweeney, KEDCo; and Paige Troyer, Precision Medical Technologies, received the 2024 Northenor Award and $2,500 in seed money. shown from left are Coble, Sweeney, Crate, Troyer and Nathan Conley, KLA advisor.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — “We Lead Kosciusko 2.0” and “Marketing Campaign for Kosciusko Community Recovery Program” were the top two white paper projects for the 42^nd Kosciusko Leadership Academy program.

“We Lead Kosciusko 2.0” received the 2024 Northenor Award and $2,500 to continue the project. “Marketing Campaign for Kosciusko Community Recovery Program,” received the 2024 Trustee Award and $1,000 in seed money.

The announcement of the two winning white paper projects was made at the KLA Banquet Tuesday, April 23, at The Owl’s Nest. It was also graduation night for the 22 cadets, all of whom received diplomas of completion.

“We Lead Kosciusko,” in collaboration with the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program, is dedicated to cultivating a culture of active citizenship and leadership within Kosciusko County. Recognizing the vital role of engaged leaders in fostering social capital, enhancing civic participation and driving sustainable development, the initiative aims to address the need for increased community engagement and leadership development.

There will be an annual call-out event featuring panel discussions, networking opportunities and incentives such as a catered dinner and door prizes to increase turnout. The targeted marketing strategy aims to engage community members between the ages of 20 and 50. The sustainability plans include annual recurrence of the event and future initiatives such as outreach efforts and mentorship programs.

The team of Paul Finley, 1st Source Bank; Chris McKeand, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office; and Mike Murphy, Bowen Center, received the Trustee Award and $1,000 seed money for their Community Recovery Program project. Shown from left are Finley, McKeand, Murphy and Stephanie Overbey, CEO of Kosciusko County Community Foundation who presented the check.

“Marketing Campaign for Kosciusko Community Recovery Program” addresses recidivism of incarcerated individuals and a community recovery program being a beacon of hope. The key components of the program is a resource navigator, certified peer recovery coach and partnerships with not-for-profits. KCRP is committed to breaking the cycle of recidivism and fostering successful reintegration. By sharing stories, engaging with the community and leveraging community platform to create a lasting change.

Dr. Allyn Decker, KLA moderator, announced the Northenor Award winner. He stated the group created a detailed playbook and applied for and received a 501 3c status so the event can become its own nonprofit agency and receive grants. The project team of Mikie Crate, Stephen Coble, Terry Sweeney and Paige Troyer plan to be the steering team so the event can continue annually.

Decker shared the team received high scores in the areas of countywide impact, do-ability of the project and the sustainability. The judges, according to Decker, were impressed at the implementation of suggested improvements from last year’s event and the effort to register as a 501 3c organization. “We believe educating community members how to engage in nonprofit committees and board service or engaging in town council and boards is essential to help in civic engagement. Our hope is that this initiative will continue to thrive …” Decker stated of the judges comments. An event is planned for Aug.1 with more information to follow.

The Trustee Award project participants included Paul Finley, Chris McKeand and Mike Murphy. Stephanie Overbey, who presented the award, shared the judges comments. “The trustee’s award has lots of room for heart,” stated Overbey. “They were chosen based on the community impact you’ve already had ,but also the potential community impact that goes far into the future.” The judges were moved by the personal testimony of one member of how the issue impacted his family and their vulnerability. “We were really moved by that. We were also very moved by the self reflection by Chris McKeand, … you were pretty vulnerable as well in sharing earlier in your career you were not sure there was a place for recovery … you shared that over time, your opinion had changed and that also moved us …”

Decker added the program seeks to connect the offenders, social agencies, counselors, financial counselors, anger management counselors, job placement professionals, a whole wide range of social services while incarcerated so when they leave, they have a support system and are ready to go so they don’t reoffend. “We hope that not only helps them individually but helps prevent overcrowding in the jail and keeps people as productive members of the community,” concluded Decker.

Kristin Pruitt, president of Lake City Bank and Lakeland Financial Corporation, was the guest speaker.

All copies of the winning white papers and other white papers from the 2024 academy and past academies are available at kosciuskoleadersip.org.

One additional award was presented to Rich Haddad, CEO and president of K21 Foundation. He was presented with the Hall of Fame award for his support and assistance to the program. “He is an invaluable resource, unselfish with his time and energy. Haddad was not present to accept the award.

Kristin Pruitt, president of Lake City Bank and Lakeland Financial Corporation, was the guest speaker for the evening. She addressed what leadership means, stating it is more than just a title. She said the way to lead effectively is by servant leadership. She stated a leader is a person who leads from wherever they are, they see things around them that need doing. “Leaders look to solve problems no one knows exist,” she added.

“Characteristics,” she said is another meaning of leadership, with a leader needing to be agile, giving examples of highlights from COVID and the importance of making a good decision and not loosing track of what is important when curve balls are thrown.

Learning was another area of leadership she noted. “If you ever have a day you don’t learn something you know it will be a bad day. She encouraged people to not pass up the opportunity to learn anything. “The more we learn, the better we are .. most rewarding.”

She encouraged those present to identify people who are future leaders in young people with core values and stewardship. “It is our turn to find ways to make the community better.”

Guests also heard updates from the 2023 Trustee Award team and the 2023 Northenor Award team.

Chad Hummel reported for the trustee award report on “Fieldhouse of Dreams.” The project has been taken over by Grace College to seek funds from the Lilly Foundation to create a  multipurpose indoor space, which has received tremendous support. The optimism is high to get approved for a $30 million project for the facility. The fieldhouse will have turf fields for indoor use and will focus on indoor sports.

Leo Patino and Laura Rothhaar reported on the Northenor Award project Kosciusko By Choice. This project resulted in a digital campaign of why a diverse group of people have moved to the county and provide brochures of reasons people come to live in the county and what the county has to offer. The group has partnered with Orthorworx and the county convention and visitor’s bureau. The digital campaign will continue focusing on young adults, entrepreneurs and relocates.