Attendees, which included the graduates and their respective family members, were treated to a slide show of photos taken during each day of the several-month course that were devoted to such topics as state government, leadership skills, cultural diversity, quality of life, health and human services, local government, law enforcement, history, business and economic development and education.  

The class also produced a service project which resulted in new planter boxes being placed at area residential care facilities.  They are elevated so that those with backs and joints that don’t allow low bending can take part in gardening. 

The graduates were presented with their certificates one-by-one.  The Class of 2025 consisted of Anita Jones, Senior Citizens Center; Brian VanHook, Barber; Casey Autry, Prescott Police; Frank Chavarria, City of Prescott; Jamie Simmons, Nevada County Depot and Museum; Lee Walker, Prescott Automotive; Sheila Ballard, Nevada County Extension Services and Susan Ellis, Bank of Delight. 

Then each of them spoke about what the program had done for them personally.  A video of this part of the program can be found below this story.

This year’s class was conducted by Tara Santifer and Jason Davis, in the stead of Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Executive Director Mary Godwin, who has led the sessions for many years but whose illness and recovery has meant she had to miss this year’s class.

Hosting the event was Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver, who took the attendees through an agenda that included a dinner sponsored by the NCLC Board of Directors, while it was made clear the mayor and his wife Julie helped prepare the smoked ham, salad, baked beans, potato salad and roll.  Lemonade and iced tea were the choice of beverages and a scrumptious set of dessert options including the chocolate cake I enjoyed were served, too.

Santifer said the recruiting of participants in and the organizing of 2026’s Nevada County Leadership Class is already underway.