LHC celebrates its newest graduating class of leaders

Leadership Holmes County has dedicated itself to educating and developing the growth and leadership skills of young Holmes County entrepreneurs from its beginning more than two decades ago. Since then, many leaders have gone through the program, and on May 7 a class of 17 members accepted their degrees at the annual LHC graduation ceremony in The American Hall in Millersburg.

One focal point of this year’s graduation was honoring long-time educator Leah Miller, who is stepping down from her role with the LHC class after 24 years.

However, for graduation, the main focus was on the 17 graduates who dedicated their time to learning more about Holmes County and explored many significant avenues of developing leadership skills that will carry on the strong leadership realm of Holmes County’s economy.

Graduating in the Class of 2024 were Makayla Alexander, Rea & Associates; Jason Biltz, Tekton; Hannah Clark, Paint Valley Equipment; Nicole Cordy, Killbuck Savings Bank; Zach Didinger, Commercial & Savings Bank; Lynn Gastin, Pomerene Hospital; Adrian Helmuth, Procision Cabinets/Technicab Design; Jessica Martell, Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities; Mike Miller, First Federal Bank; Mikki Nichols, Walnut Creek Foods; Layne Perone, Mast Trucking; Ryan Peterman, Top Dog Uniform; Brady Schlabach, Hiland High School; Timothy Schlabach, Hummel Group; Courtney Sigler, Park National Bank; Travis Swartentruber, Killbuck Savings Bank; and Samantha Whitworth, Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.

Nichols spoke about the joy of attending the classes on the first Thursday of each month, where members discussed leadership techniques they exhibited throughout each month, discussed leadership books they are assigned to read and visited various Holmes County institutions, significant landmarks and businesses.

She said one of the most memorable visits was a casual visit with area county officials.

“We found out that we are pretty healthy here and in pretty good hands in this community,” Nichols said. “Everybody seems to have the same work values. They are passionate about what they do, and there is several risk-takers in this community, too.”

She added that anyone who hasn’t taken the class should invest in doing soa because it is well worth it.

Brady Schlabach said it was impressive to see so many important and unique individuals coming together in one room to celebrate the graduation and in specific one person, that being Miller.

He praised Miller for her dedication, calling her the GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

“The growth of Holmes County came a long way because of this leadership class,” Schlabach said to Miller. “And what you’ve done can’t be understated.”

He added that there was so much opportunity for growth in Holmes County and for people to follow their passions and have them supported by a caring community.

Biltz said taking this class was important and one thing he enjoyed was that nobody went to class with fear of judgment from others.

“We all had a chance to share and add our own perspectives,” Biltz said.

Each year LHC opts to donate something back to the community, and this year’s group raised funds for Holmes Fire District #1, selling cinnamon rolls from Walnut Creek Cheese and, after receiving other donations, they were able to help Fire District #1 purchase a tripod for confined spaces rescues.

Miller acknowledged this outstanding class before presenting them with their diplomas and said of the class and the people, “It’s been a great pleasure and privilege to teach Leadership Holmes County. It has exceeded our expectations. I’ve met so many wonderful people through this.”

She added a word of gratitude to the many businesses and organizations willing to dedicate their employees to the program to help grow the county.

“Our county is unique for all the right reasons,” Miller said. “It’s all there as long as you’re willing to go out and work for it.”

And with that, a new class of graduates joined the growing ranks of Holmes County entrepreneurs who have benefitted from developing leadership through the LHC program.