Convinced they are the ‘best class ever’ in the 11-year history of the program, members of the Leadership Los Alamos Class of 2014 toast their ‘fabulously fun and fruitful year’ during Friday’s graduation celebration at Fuller Lodge. Each of the preveious 10 classes also holds the perception that their own class is the best. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Class project co-chairs Diane Senutovitch and Jeremy Varela are recognized for their leadership and dedication at Friday’s event. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
LLA Board members Sharon Stover and Marc Clay present flowers to Board Co-chairs Melissa Metcalf and Debbie Huling in appreciation for their work throughout the year. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
The 2013-14 class of Leadership Los Alamos had a lot to celebrate at their graduation Friday night at Fuller Lodge. The graduation was the culmination of a lot of learning and experiencing throughout the past year for the 27 participants who learned not only about themselves, but about leadership, teamwork and the community.
This is the 10th graduating class of the Leadership Los Alamos program and the first required to complete a class project. The group launched the “Let’s Play, LA” campaign to coordinate and raise funds for the purchase and installation of an interactive music park in the White Rock area. They will host a booth today at the Kite Festival at Overlook Park to talk with the community about their project.
Leadership Los Alamos was founded in 2003 to identify current and emerging leaders in the Los Alamos area, enhance their leadership skills, and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the community. It is nonpartisan, does not advocate for legislation of any kind, does not endorse political candidates, and does not take a stand on any political or social issues. Leadership Los Alamos focuses on educating participants about community and regional issues.
Each program year includes educational sessions on topics such as:
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Cultural Issues
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Economic Development
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Local Government
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Community Organzations
- Education and Youth
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Environment
Leadership Los Alamos is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) tax exempt New Mexico organization, funded by generous contributions from businesses, local government, and individual donors. Primary among these are Los Alamos National Bank and Los Alamos National County.
To learn more, visit About Leadership Los Alamos and Applying to the Program.
Leadership Los Alamos Board member and graduation party Master of Ceremonies Mike Wismer presents a tall white chef’s hat and coat to Board Co-chair Debbie Huling who often cooked for the class. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Emcee Mike Wismer holds up the book ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ by Dr. Suess, a seriocomic ode to success, which each participant received in their gift bag at Friday’s graduation. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
LLA Chair Mike Wismer holds up 2014 LLA class shirt. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.comPhoto by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Each participant was recognized Friday night for their participation in the 2014 LLA program, including Eric Vasquez who holds up his graduation certificate as emcee Mike Wismer, left, and County Councilor David Izraelevitz look on. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Each participant, including Lisa Zuhn, center, posed for a photo with LLA program primary sponsors from left, Councilor David Izraelevitz representing Los Alamos County and Karen Easton representing Los Alamos National Bank and LLA Co-chairs Melissa Metcalf and Debbie Huling. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Sparkling apple cider is served to toast a successful year. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Leadership Los Alamos 2003 graduate Steven Girrens helps serve sparkling apple cider Friday night. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
The Craig Martin Experience performs at Friday’s LLA graduation celebration at Fuller Lodge. From left, Mike Rogers on guitar, Rob Heineman on bass, John Frary plays drums, Quinn Marksteiner on alto sax and Carl Hagelberg on trumpet. Bandleader Craig Martin was unable to attend. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Aaron Anderson of the Craig Martin Experience. Photo by Carol A Clark/ladailypost.com
Blue Window Bistro owner Melissa Paternoster, right, and her crew prepare dinner for the Leadership Los Alamos graduation Friday night at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
The Blue Window Bistro provided decorations for the LLA graduation dinner event. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
