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PLAINS TWP. — Leadership Wilkes-Barre honored over 50 Wyoming Valley residents Thursday evening as part of its annual graduation ceremony.
Boasting an alumni base of more than 2,000, Leadership Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1981, and is dedicated to developing informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will serve, strengthen, and improve Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“I see the pride that comes from teamwork, and seeing your projects come to life,” said Erica Tessier, vice president of marketing for Mohegan Sun Pocono, as she addressed the graduates.
The class of 2018 had 51 participants, split into six teams, who organized various community-based projects throughout the Wyoming Valley.
• Healthcare Heroes collected supplies and equipment for the Wilkes-Barre Free Clinic located inside St. Stephen’s Church.
• Trails for Tails created a walking path at the Luzerne County SPCA for volunteers and perspective adopters.
• Team Bookworms renovated the children’s reading room in the Osterhout Free Library.
• MyGlynn Quest renovated the McGlynn Learning Center and collected donations, including a new pair of sneakers for every child who receives services as the center.
• Head Bangerz held an event to educate young athletes about concussions and raise awareness of safety against concussions in youth sports.
• Phoenix Rising renovated the lobby area of the Phoenix Performing Arts Center.
“These talented individuals will play an active role in our region,” said Don Brominski, UGI director of business development and Leadership Wilkes-Barre board member. “I look forward to learning about their future successes.”
Brominski said Leadership Wilkes-Barre offers six programs, including Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre and Impact, a leadership in education program.
“We received national recognition for being one of the best leadership programs in the country,” he said.
Members of the 2008 Leadership Wilkes-Barre class, including Brominski, also presented a new scholarship, The Class of 2008 World War II Veterans Memorial Trip Scholarship, which allows a veteran to participate in the Leadership Wilkes-Barre program.
“It’s our way of keeping the memories alive and honoring another deserving veteran for their service,” he said.
Also honored at the event was Kathleen “Kit” Foley, vice president of student life at Misericordia University, and member of Leadership Wilkes-Barre class of 2001.
Foley received the “distinguished alumni award,” for her continued support and work within the organization since participating in 2001.
Foley has been a project advisor, chair of the Advocacy Council, member of the Intercollegiate Advisory Council. She is currently on the board of directors representing Misericordia.
The graduates are: Angeline Abraham, Gary Allegrucci, Mark Angelo, Nicholas Argot, Timothy Athey, Jeffrey Boam, Christian Bodnar, Alicia Bond, Justin Brown, Amanda Casem, Kelly Chamberlain, Tim Cotter, Riann DeCesaris, Michael DiMare, Samira Dugan, Marleny Encarnacion, Margaret Farrell, Cassandra Fiume, Meghan Flanagan, Diane Fritz, Stacey Golembeski, Laura Haden, Sean Hadley, Kevin Halchak, Dawn Hazeltine, Matthew Hinton, Tabitha Inman, Jamie Johns, Donna Keyes, Edward Kowalski, Amber Loomis, Ruth Lovett, Hilary Mihoch, Santina Morreale, Scott Napkora, Andrew Nebzydoski, Aimee Newell, Devon Nicoletti, Holly Pilcavage, Brittany Quinn, Kelly Rava, Michelle Reilly, Paul Rodella, Martha Seiger, Connie Toporcer, Brian Troiano, Katrina Wallace, Jamie Walsh, Lori White, Rachel Wiernusz, Kelley Zionce.