The Wilson Post
LEBANON WEATHER

Leading by example




Cruella De Vil, a.k.a. Dorie Mitchell, makes her way around Baird Chapel Wednesday welcoming attendees to the Leadership Wilson luncheon at Cumberland University. DALLUS WHITFIELD / The Wilson Post

Cruella De Vil, a.k.a. Dorie Mitchell, makes her way around Baird Chapel Wednesday welcoming attendees to the Leadership Wilson luncheon at Cumberland University. DALLUS WHITFIELD / The Wilson Post

Past and upcoming graduates of Leadership Wilson gathered for a luncheon at Cumberland University’s Baird Chapel on Wednesday.

Past and upcoming graduates of Leadership Wilson gathered for a luncheon at Cumberland University’s Baird Chapel on Wednesday.

One of the highlights of the event was Jo Smith, an account executive at WANT 98.9FM, being selected to receive the 18th Commitment to Leadership Award. Smith is a graduate of the Leadership Wilson program. She is a Lebanon High School graduate and has lived in Wilson County her entire life. She is a grandmother of four and a member of College Hills Church of Christ.

Leadership Class of 2016 also used the luncheon as an opportunity to share their class projects. Projects were all aimed at giving back to the community. One of the projects was Gabby’s Walk – a one-mile free walk named in honor of a longtime Empower Me Day Camp camper and supporter.

One of the perks Gabby insisted on for her walk was to make sure all walkers received a medal following the event scheduled for June 4.

 

 

Another project also focused on helping children who have special needs get active. Dave Gould, owner of Main Street Media of Tennessee, the parent company of The Wilson Post, presented his group’s project – to build a bocce ball court for the Special Olympics. Gould said Wilson County created a bocce ball team in 2013 and that the City of Lebanon has assigned space for the court at Don Fox Park.

Internship Wilson was presented as well – and offered insight into connecting Wilson County student with employers to gain knowledge and in some cases, a salary.

Body Shop Fitness in Mt. Juliet owner Brian Gardner said the program has been beneficial to his company, especially in incidences where there has been a staff shortage. “We have multiple people on our staff who we can place interns with,” he said.

Leadership Wilson Executive Director Dorie Mitchell showed her support for Youth Leadership Wilson’s upcoming “Hungry for Heroes” project by donning a Cruella De Vil costume – complete with black and white wig.

Jo Smith shares a hug with Kevin Etheridge as she is presented with the 2016 Commitment to Leadership Award. DALLUS WHITFIELD / The Wilson Post

Jo Smith shares a hug with Kevin Etheridge as she is presented with the 2016 Commitment to Leadership Award. DALLUS WHITFIELD / The Wilson Post

Hungry for Heroes will serve as a canned food drive for Wilson County students – and also offer kids an opportunity to meet their favorite characters such as Disney princess Cinderella.

The only cost of admission is a canned good. The April 2 event will be held from 9-11 a.m. at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy. The April 9 event will be held at Castle Heights Elementary school from 9-11 a.m.

Staff Writer Sabrina Garrett may be contacted at sgarrett@wilsonpost.com.

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