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January 15, 2025, was anything but an ordinary day for the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2025 as they explored the transformative power of education across the community. From an early morning at the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce to wrap-up at SKYCTC, the day was packed with engaging discussions, hands-on tours, and inspiring speakers.
Rise and Shine with Leadership
The day began bright and early with a warm welcome by Class Chair Justin Gearlds, a proud member of the 2019 class. Justin set the tone with an overview of the day’s packed schedule. A quick lesson by class members with Habit 4: Think Win-Win.
Spotlight on Workforce Innovation
The first major session featured an all-star panel of workforce leaders, including Matt Bacon, Executive Director of Career TEAM; Debbie Dennison, Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board; Kim Myers, Dean of Workforce Solutions, SKYCTC; Jon Sowards, President/CEO, South Central Workforce Development Board. Under the expert moderation of Summer Bacon, Alumni Day Chair from the Class of 2024, the panel dove deep into workforce solutions and the importance of collaboration across workforce organizations and educational institutions.
A Lesson in Leadership at Natcher Elementary
Next, the class headed to Natcher Elementary School, a proud Legacy Leader in Me school, where the Student Lighthouse Team showcased how all students are developing leadership skills for life. Principal Matt Thornhill provided insights into how the Leader in Me framework transforms classrooms into leadership incubators.
Career Connections from High School to Higher Ed
The day transitioned into an exploration of career pathways with presentations from high school career coaches and a welcoming address from Dr. Bud Fischer, Provost of Western Kentucky University. Highlights included a tour of WKU’s Living Learning Community, led by WKU Spirit Master, and a panel discussion featuring local superintendents Rob Clayton and Gary Fields, moderated by Will Spalding from the Class of 2023.
Hands-On at SKYCTC
At Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), participants dove into specialized tours of state-of-the-art facilities like the Nursing Sim Lab and Surgical Technology suites. The hands-on exposure left the class buzzing with excitement about the innovative training opportunities available to the local workforce.
The success of Education Day was made possible by the dedication of Alumni Day Chairs:
Will Spalding, Warren County Public Schools
Jeff Peake, Western Kentucky University
Special thanks to ELPO Law for sponsoring lunch and snacks and to the many organizations that opened their doors to share the transformative power of education.
Looking Ahead
With such a rich day of learning and networking, the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2025 is well on its way to becoming champions for education and workforce development in our community.
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2025 Leadership Bowling Green Premier Partner:
