Leadership Jasper Graduation
Eighteen adult students graduated from the “2005 Leadership Jasper” class Monday evening at a ceremony held at the Monticello Government Complex on the Square.
The students completed the 10-week course developed by the Fanning Leadership Institute, and sponsored by the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority of Jasper County, Bank of Monticello City of Monticello, McIntosh State Bank, alumni, class participants, and the Fanning Institute.
Class members met each Monday for four hours, learning numerous leadership skills. Members included Garrett Wild, Leah Dumas, Robin West, Delphine Johnson, Hannah Pope, Sandra Carter, Larry Smith, Maggie Potter, Phillip Dennis, Betty Maddox, LeAnn Airington, Niki Morris, Tim Coffey, Gretchen Pruett, John Kilgore, and Rachel Torrance.
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Before the diplomas were presented, the group heard from Davis Jackson, who was billed as an “outstanding leader of Newton County.” Mr. Jackson is a manager of Tread Technologies, a Michelin plant, in Covington. His motivational words invigorated all.
He told the leaders that this could be a “graduation”—ending, or a “commencement”—beginning. He stressed the importance of giving back to the community. He told how he stuttered as a child, and his third grade teacher discouraged him. Then, when he reached seventh grade, the teacher told him he would speak to the class every day. By the end of the year, he could speak without stuttering.
Mr. Jackson frequently brought chuckles to his listeners as he told of his life, his vision, his family. The youngest of 14 children, he told of his philosophy to wake up every day with a smile on his face.
He talked about his education and career moves, and his plans to one day move back to the family farm in Mississippi. He told how some people will always be nay-sayers, but if the projects goes forward anyway those same people will be the first to step forward to take credit.
Mr. Jackson talked about Michelin’s philosophy of treating employees with respect, paying them, and giving them good benefits. He praised the Jasper school system, saying he knew it was good by what he saw in the 14 Jasper County employees he has.
He told them that as a leader, you sometimes have to make decisions that you don’t benefit from.
He talked about the opportunity Jasper County has to avoid what Gwinnett County has encountered. He talked about the county’s assets, particularly its natural resources. He said ecotourism is the fastest growing industry in the state, and Jasper has what it takes to take advantage of that.
He challenged everyone to get involved, and demand what is right for Jasper County. He said the county needs bright, creative ideas, and constructive, knowledgeable leadership. People need to step up and take responsibility.
After he spoke, the program was concluded with the presentation of diplomas by Monticello Mayor Susan Holmes, and her husband, Paul, who is chairman-elect for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
