A variety of foods were available for all who came out to show their support. Breakfast burritos, fruit & veggies trays, dips, crackers, pigs in a blanket, sausage balls and on the sweet side, cookies along with punch.
Black and gold themed photos of experiences and tours the class members had the opportunity to be a part of during this year’s class set on tables throughout the area for all the enjoy. The 2024 class project, a poster and flyer with scan codes containing premier tourist destinations in Hempstead County was on display for attendees to have first look at what this year’s class has been working on; their contribution to the community.
“We had a great group of varied people from all over the community and county that were in our class this year. We learned things from how to pour iron to all the many, many things that Pafford does for our community, we visited schools’, mental health centers, the Turk power plant and so many other amazing places and businesses. It was just a great opportunity to really find out everything Hope and Hempstead County has to offer the citizens and why it's such a great place to live and work,” Class participant Dr Carol Ann Duke said.
Duke went on to talk about the relationships formed during this year’s adventures in leadership. “Throughout this experience, we all became close friends. I know there's not anyone in this class that I couldn't call if I had need of something, but I also know that we individually and collectively plan to stay together and make things great for our community,” Duke said.
Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Christy Burns who is over the Leadership process as well as a former class member said, “This year was our first year to bring back Leadership Hempstead County since before Covid and we were really excited to be able to do that. We have nine that are graduating tomorrow at Hempstead Hall, so we wanted to showcase them and what we have been doing at this community coffee today. Also, we have launched our 2025 Leadership Hope Hempstead County applications. They drop today so if you are interested that will be on our Facebook page soon and I will send out emails. Thank you to everyone that may been a part of leadership this year to make it the success it has been. We are thrilled to bring Leadership Hope Hempstead County back and excited for the years to come.”
Leadership Hope-Hempstead County is a comprehensive leadership development and community awareness initiative. This program identifies and motivates emerging leaders, cultivating their potential for community leadership roles through exposure to local opportunities, realities, and challenges. Sessions are strategically designed to enhance participants' knowledge and insights into community functions and realities, employing varied formats such as expert panels, field trips, authoritative speakers, and interactive group discussions. For more information on Hempstead County Leadership or to grab an application visit https://chamber.hopeusa.com/leadership-hhc/
