The Leadership St. Mary Class of 2023 celebrated their commencement last Tuesday at the Clarion Inn/Quality Inn in Morgan City. Participants of the year-long program engaged in various activities to hone their individual leadership skills and to work together for meaningful changes in the community.
Throughout the program, monthly hands-on and on-site visits allowed the class members to explore different facets of their community, ranging from education, government, and local businesses to economic development, health services, environmental matters, historical aspects, and non-profit organizations. The culmination of the program involves the completion of a class project aimed at addressing an area in the community in need of improvement.
This year’s class project commemorates Mary Rios, a participant and Chief Nursing Officer at Bayou Bend Health System who passed away shortly before graduation. The project involves an annual scholarship program honoring her love for leadership, community service, and nursing. The Mary Rios Scholarship details are currently being developed, with Senate District 21-Elect Robert Allain III and Leadership St. Mary Alumni Class of 2015 member pledging to donate towards the fund annually and sponsor a participant.
In memory of their late Chamber President Donna Meyer, who passionately supported the leadership program, Kirstine Campbell was presented with the Donna Meyer Leadership Award. The award recognizes participants who not only excel in class activities but also display unyielding patience, enthusiasm, and positivity. Kirstine serves as the General Manager at Bayou Bend’s Fitness Center.
Following the commencement ceremony, a recruitment social for the Class of 2024 took place. Those interested in participation can contact the Chamber of Commerce or download an application from their website: https://stmarychamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-Leadership-St.-Mary-Application.pdf
The 2023 Corporate sponsors for this leadership program are Cabot Corporation, New Industries, LLC, and Pelican Companies of America, LLC.