The individuals fulfilled all their requirements by attending four community meetings, participating in the Ropes Course, going on a police ride and completing a group project.

They include Mike Bailey and Ty Baxter, Federal Bureau of Prisons; Saundra Bloom and Kent Minchew, Howard County; Rick Boiles, Teresa Darden, Kenny Davis, Steve Gray, Robert Williams and Jeanne Wilson, city of Big Spring; Sheena Hill, Big Spring Education Employee Federal Credit Union; Barbara Hipp, Western Container; Mike Holm, Cornell Corrections; Jennifer Key, SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf; Susan Lyons, Workforce Network, Chandra McBee and Jamie Park, Howard College; Sue Mercer, Oncor; and Nancy Michaelis, retired;

Class members receiving perfect attendance Davis, Hill, Holm, Key, Lyons, McBee, Park, Williams and Wilson.

The project for this year's class was Kid's Zone. The group cleaned, painted, sanded and replaced loose boards at the community park. There are still some things that need to be done and they hope to get it done by the end of the month, organizers said.

“Thank you to the entities that allowed their employees to attend this 10-month program held every second Thursday of the month,” said Debbye ValVerde, executive director of the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization that sponsors the class. “This program has been on-going for more than 25 years and it has changed throughout the years. The Chamber staff tries to make it fun and educational with a few changes here and there.

“Through the leadership of Joann Knox, this year's coordinator of the skills portion, participants were dared to  step 'out of the box,' get out and do something different that they would not normally do. She did a fantastic job. Joann had several guest speakers who encouraged our participants to get involved in their community, whether it is Big Spring, Coahoma or Forsan, and try to make a difference,” ValVerde said.

“To the all the businesses that invited us in their facilities, we wish to thank them for taking time out  of their busy work schedules and for their continued support. The class got to take tours and see how each entity works from the inside out.”

The next Leadership Big Spring class will begin Aug. 14. Cost for the program is $350 for Chamber members and $450 for non-members and includes transportation, books and meals. Call the Chamber at 263-7641 for more information or to make an application.

Tonight's ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m.