Friday, a special commencement was held at First Baptist Church in Picayune when the Pearl River County Partners in Leadership class of 2015 graduated.
According to program literature, the group’s is designed to primarily meet the needs of Pearl River County, Poplarville and Picayune. Their mission is to achieve these goals through training, enhanced communications, community involvement and personal commitment.
Curriculum Coordinator Rod Lincoln said the program begins every August and the group meets once a month to discuss different themes.
Themes include leadership, education, economic and government development, health and social services, environment, history, arts and law enforcement.
Before graduating, each group presented their project.
The first group, comprised of Kerry Cortez, Mark Porter and Ryan Wade, spoke about their reading preparation program.
In light of the Literacy Based Promotion Act, the members mentored 15 at risk third graders at Nicholson Elementary to help them with reading and comprehension before taking the test, which will determine if they will move to the fourth grade.
Kelli Beech, Chad Dorn, Regina Pierson and Daryl Smith’s group project is the establishment of a splash pad at Friendship Park in Picayune. They held numerous fundraisers and received a grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation to contribute to its construction.
The third group, which included T.J. Burleson, Dawn Vosbein and Melody White, mentored to graduating seniors at Pearl River Central High School. Group members focused on assisting students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which provides financial aid options for a college education.
Clyde Dease, Patton Slusher and Tristan Chisolm made up the final group. Their objective was to allow students at Picayune Junior High School to explore the world of entrepreneurship. Group members sat down with students to help them come up with small business models and ideas.
The Glade Woods Leadership award was presented to Kelli Beech.
The guest speaker for the event was Mississippi Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, who spoke to the group about the importance of leadership and education.
“I really enjoy speaking to leadership groups, because every time I go, I see the energy and enthusiasm that you have to make a difference in your community,” Reeves said. “Many of the projects here today were very near and dear to my heart. I want to encourage each and every one of you, as you get done with this particular leadership class, that you continue to give back to your community.”
The class is open to citizens who live or work in Pearl River County.
PRC Partners in Leadership is located at 309 N. Main Street in Picayune. For more information call 601-590-2130 or send an email to jcwoods3@att.net. Visit the group’s website at www.partners.ms.