Members of the WestStar Leadership Program’s class of 2019 graduated Tuesday, June 25, at Madison Downs Venue in Jackson. Among this year’s graduating class were Jenna Cole-Wilson and Justin Hargrove, both of Benton County. A 5:15 p.m. reception was followed by dinner and the graduation ceremony.
WestStar is UTM’s regional leadership program that is supported by corporate sponsors and individual donors. This was the program’s 30th class, bringing the total to 857 graduates since WestStar began in 1989. The 30 members of the 2019 class were competitively selected to learn new leadership skills and develop strategies for assisting communities in solving problems.
Each WestStar class is chosen by the program’s board of trustees. Selection is based on individual leadership achievements and potential to contribute to West Tennessee’s development. The class members, selected from all occupations and levels of community involvement, complete eight sessions covering topics such as agriculture, transportation, energy, environment, public policy issues, education, and tourism.
Dr. Charley Deal, WestStar executive director, welcomed class members, alumni, the WestStar Board, and other guests to the event. He also introduced UTM chancellor and 2009 WestStar graduate Keith Carver.
“Tonight is all about you,” Carver said. “You’re now part of this much larger WestStar family, and I think any time you come through something like this, you think about what’s next. Your journey is really just starting, and it’s time to invest back into your communities in West Tennessee.”
Following recognition of the graduates, Deal closed the event by challenging everyone to make a positive difference in the region. “Let us all leave here tonight committed to making a positive impact in our community, influencing positive change in West Tennessee and inspiring the next generation of leaders to commit to making our state even better than it is today.”
The 2019 WestStar graduating class members from the tricounty area include Jenna Cole-Wilson, Camden; Justin Hargrove, Camden; Nichole Lawrence, McLemoresville; Andrew Maddox, Huntingdon; Jason Martin, McKenzie; Travis McLeese, Paris; and John Penn Ridgeway, Paris.
Applications for the 2020 WestStar class are being accepted after Sept. 1, and members of the new class will be selected later this fall. WestStar’s 30th anniversary will be celebrated during an event Nov. 9 at Discovery Park in Union City. Find out more about WestStar at utm.edu or call 731-881-7298.
