Leadership Warren County graduated its 15th class on Wednesday at the Interfaith Chapel on the Warren State Hospital Grounds.

The program is a nine-month effort that brings people looking to make an impact in the community into contact with many of the organizations and individuals operating in the community via retreats, executive skills development, community impact projects and community awareness sessions.

The Class of 2022 includes Brett Ball, Jamie Bhe, Andrew Cauley, Miranda Collingwood, Eric Morelli, Jaime Nuhfer, Abbi Petrosky, Monica Prowitt, Lisa Ristau, Callie Schwab, Andrew Stalder, Ashley Swanson and Trista Wilcox.

Outgoing Executive Director Casey Ferry, who now leads the Warren County Visitors Bureau, said she is “very excited about this group.”

Abbi Petrosky, part of Leadership Warren County’s Class of 2022 speaks during the graduation event held Wednesday.

She said that from the outset of the program they “wanted to better” both themselves and the community. “(I) watched them blossom,” she said, “watched them seek opportunities to help.”

The guest speaker was Jim Goodling, the first LWC executive director.

He told the story of completing the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, pilgrimage route in Spain, covering 500 miles in 32 days.

“It would have been so much easier not to do any of this,” he said. “It’s always easier to do nothing, especially when it’s out of fear.

“What frightens you also makes you grow.”

The student speaker was Petrosky who said the class project will be the formation of an alumni group specifically aimed at homelessness initiatives.

“You all continue to light the spark of curiosity,” Petrosky said of her classmates, who are “filled with passion and pride for the county they serve.”

Ferry said graduation doesn’t mark the end for this class.

“They want to keep going,” she said.

Pat Evans, steering committee member, said over 200 have completed the program

“We’re looking for a new director,” she said, noting that the position is part-time, year round.

She said the organization is looking for “someone who cares about Warren County and what goes on in Warren County.”

Anyone interested is asked to call (814) 723-6505.

Both Evans and Goodling took time to recognize the efforts of Barbara Tubbs who had been instrumental in the formation and development of Leadership Warren County. She passed away last November.