Rockwall, TX (May 15, 2024) – On May 15, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, membership, and local dignitaries shared a celebratory luncheon in honor of the 2024 Leadership Rockwall class graduation. Each year, the Leadership Rockwall class spends nine months exploring the larger Rockwall area, building relationships, and learning about the inner working of the community and its resources. The class also selects and completes a community project with the goal of giving back, leaving something to benefit the community long term.
This year’s project “Transforming Futures at The Meadows” lays the foundation for a brighter future creating a hub for community education and empowerment.
The Meadows neighborhood is home to a beloved community center that needed revitalization to continue serving the needs of their neighbors. The massive project, selected by the Leadership Rockwall class, included renovating the training center and enhancing the outdoor space. Overall, the project included elements of interior design, exterior enhancements, infrastructure investments, and classroom and technology upgrades.
Resources through generous donations of time and expertise, as well as financial support from local businesses and organizations ensured the project’s success. The project cost totaled $115,000 which would not have been possible without the commitment of all those involved. Notably, Milestone Electric made significant contributions to the infrastructure and Home Depot’s contingency of volunteers, who completed the removal of existing fencing in remarkable time.
Neighborhood revitalization projects such as these do much to inspire others. A local resident even commented that the entire neighborhood is taking a renewed interest in their own property since the inception of Leadership Rockwall’s project.
With the guidance and support of the Leadership Rockwall advisory board, Shane Hollas, Sylvia Sotelo Kidd, Kasey Hogland, Ben Northcutt, and Johnny Kirkpatrick, this year’s class completed an amazing project.
Speaking on behalf of the class, Justine Jones shared reflections from their experience, saying they came together with “trust and faith in the process.” Remarking that the class has grown together over the prior months, with each bringing their talents to accomplish our initiatives.
“Perhaps the most valuable lesson we learned was that of collaboration,” said Jones. “And we are confident that the seeds we have planted will continue to bear fruit in our community for years to come.”
Members of the Leadership Rockwall Class of 2024 are: Ben Alexander (Hanks Handyman Services), Grant Buckholt (Northwestern Mutual), Victor Cantu (Toro Steam Cleaning), Dottie Corder (Young Chefs Academy), Sarah Digirolamo (Rockwall County Elections), Keesha Dillard (Ebby Halliday Realtors), Ronald Dokken (Baylor Scott & White – Lake Pointe), Spencer Foster (City of Fate), Justine Jones (Reborn Skin and Beauty), Ryan Joyce (Michael Joyce Properties), Yasamyne Korban (Rockwall ISD), Gunnar Ledermann (Divine Peace Church), Lauren Podina (Orthopedic Specialists of Dallas), Amanda Potthoff (American National Bank), Doris Richards (T&D Construction & Outdoor Living), Rachel Searson (House Master Home Inspections), Meagan Taylor (Texas Health Hospital Rockwall), Shannon Thompson (A Plus Payroll), Kristy Tyra (Oncor), David Vega (Rockwall Capital Group), and Janette Wold (Self Possessed Coaching).
If you are interested in participation in the next Leadership Rockwall class to be a part of a group where “building relationships transcends networking” visit RockwallChamber.org. As Darby Nielsen, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO says, “It is a significant time commitment but well worth the investment in our community.”
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos by Blue Ribbon News.
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