Leadership EXCEL class graduates
CROWLEY – The fourteenth Leadership EXCEL class met at City Hall on Monday May 12 for a “wrap up session”, reception, and graduation ceremony.
Brent Henley, the Pyramid Group, conducted the final session, helping the participants to tie in their experiences this year with leadership opportunities.
Attending the informal reception prior to the graduation were sponsors, employers and families of the graduates.
Pat Derbes, vice chairperson of the Executive Board, welcomed the guests, followed by the Pledge to the American Flag and sn invocation by Tony Hulsey, Board Member. Board member Cynthia Hoffpauir, President & CEO of Jeff Davis Business Alliance, introduced the other Board Members.
Kayla Link, President and CEO Crowley Chamber of Commerce and also a Board member, recognized the sponsors: Acadia Parish Farm Bureau, Crowley Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Crowley, Parker’s of Jennings, Welsh Rotary Club, and the Volunteers for Family & Community Night Club.
Student graduate Shana Roche, Midland High School, spoke to the group, telling about the benefits she had derived from her year in the program. Gail Gillespie, Gail Gillespie & Associates, stated that as a newcomer to the area, it was an enlightening experience and will be a tremendous help to her in her professional life and community involvement.
Peggy Sandidge, Program Coordinator, presented certificates to the graduates: Yosha Ardoin, Dugas Soileau & Breaux; Kayla Boudreaux, Jeff Davis Business Alliance; Kim Boudreaux, Acadia Parish Policy Jury; Mary Comeaux, Rayne State Bank; Diana Francis, Volunteers for Family & Community Night Club; Lesley Francis, Francis Drilling Fluids; Gail Gillespie, Gail Gillespie & Associates; Albert Guidry, St. Martin Bank, Welsh; Cheryl Habetz, E. L. Habetz Builders; Chalasie Kibodeaux, Evangeline Bank; Jim Lyons Jr., First National Bank; Brent Manuel, Capital One Bank; Kasey Patin, Angel Care of South LA.; Mary Richard, Acadia Parish Emergency Management; Paula Rigsby, Bank of Commerce, Doris Rose-Ross; Corey Stelly, Farm Bureau, Jennings; Allie Ardoin, Welsh High School; Hope Howie, Crowley High School; Lauren Lopez, Rayne High School; Brian Parker, Jennings High School; and Shana Roche, Midland High School.
The program was concluded with closing remarks by Troy Breaux, Board Member.
Other Board Members assisting were Allison Clarke, who chaired, the event; Donna Collins, Capital One Bank, Jennings; Jill Habetz, E. L. Habetz Builders; Chad Monceaux, City of Crowley Fire Department; and Joy Zaunbrecher, Edward Jones, Jennings.
The Leadership EXCEL program is sponsored by the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and Jeff Davis Business Alliance. Applications for the class beginning in September will be available at both offices. Crowley 788-0177 and Jennings 824-0933.