Click to view more photos of the L.O.T. Crew graduation.
(Photo by Kelly Daniel)
At a luncheon ceremony with parents, school faculty and Leaders of Tomorrow program leaders attending, the L.O.T. Crew 2009-2010 class received their graduation certificates.
Thirty-two eighth-grade students representing all
Graduation ceremony keynote speaker and founder of the L.O.T. program Kori Yates reminded the graduates that they all have the potential to be great leaders.
“Being a great leader does not come with earning a special degree or reaching a certain age,” Yates said. “You all have skills and abilities that no one else possesses. Each of you are different, and all the differences are what makes us stronger. No matter where you are in life, do the best with what you have.”
Program coordinator Tracy Rucker challenged the students to “not stop here, but continue to seek leadership roles and serve in the community.”
The 2010 L.O.T. Crew graduates are in alphabetical order: Shelby Abel, Taylor Adams, Chelsea Campbell, Yesenia Castillo, Jasmyne Christopher, Aaron Cortes, Ashlee Davis, Rickey Eberlan, Keaton Fontenot, Yasmeen Gallegos, Charles Grimes, Austin Irwin, Josh Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Luke Kendrick, Justice Lockett, Brittany McCauley, Collin Moore, Nicholas Morin, Jeremy Morris, Brooke Newton, Dakota Phillips, Olivia Pierce, Blake Power, Sarah Renfro, Raeni Rodriguez, Patrick Sanders, Josue’ Santoyo, Mackenzie Tucker, Elizabeth Vinyard, Bryce Westbrook and Destiny Westbrook.
L.O.T. Crew committee members are Angela Sowell, Brian Bray, Larissa Philpot, Mike Kelly, Richard Joslyn, Francis Spruiell, Bruce Partain, Kim Garner, Shirley Luna, Kathy Joslyn, Mary Uresti and Tracy Rucker.
L.O.T. is a program of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee chaired by Shirley Luna. The committee leads an extensive effort to improve educational standards, teacher morale and academic climate of our community. Projects include Leaders of Tomorrow (L.O.T.) crew, Great Expectations and Nacogdoches Opportunity for a Better Learning Experience (N.O.B.L.E.) Scholars Banquet.