Leadership St. Tammany alumni reflect on achievements, look to the future

Twenty years of Leadership St. Tammany was celebrated at a festive breakfast hosted by the Alumni Foundation at Benedict’s Plantation on March 27. “Making a Difference: Where We Have Come and Where We Need to Go” was thematically targeted at the gathering of community movers and shakers.

Keynote speakers Diane Winston and Mark Johnson respectively explored early years and later years of the program designed to create leaders who will enhance the quality of life in St. Tammany Parish.

“Keep emulating, be bold, think big, take risks and cast a long shadow.”

Winston spoke about the power and creative energy possessed by the first class in 1994. “I wanted to harness this energy, put it together and see the creative masterpiece that exploded.” She told about the launching of the program, and of the depth, breadth and layering of each class. She explored the concept of simulated society designed to see perspectives from the eyes of others. She said that graduates are stewards who “stand on the shoulders of others.”  She talked about the high standards of Leadership, and said, “Keep emulating, be bold, think big, take risks and cast a long shadow.”

Johnson kicked off his animated presentation by some fancy footwork to the music of “I Feel Good.” He spoke about the alumni foundation, and of the program that is strengthened by the balance of social, content, entrepreneurship and networking. Johnson spotlighted some of the graduates and told of successes that came out of Leadership, including Michael Sprague, pastor of Trinity Church in Covington that housed and coordinated Hurricane Katrina volunteers, resulting in the global outlook of the International Crisis Response Center headquartered in Trinity Church.

Earlier, President Krass DeGeorge introduced the Leadership St. Tammany Alumni Foundation board along with honored guests, and recognized outgoing President Nancy Thompson.

Thanked for coordinating the breakfast were Co-Chairwomen Leslie Rozycki and Kristie Thomas.

Article Originally Appeared on nola.com