25 years of Leadership Fort Smith well-represented

FORT SMITH — More than 100 Fort Smith Leadership graduates and the businesses that lend their expertise to the program gathered for a 25th class reunion Thursday night (April 19). The event was at Riverfront Pavilion.

It was a social mixer for graduates from classes 1988-2012 to mingle, chat or catch up on business or personal matters. Leadership Fort Smith Director Barbara Harvel said all classes except 1993 were represented.

A slide show of Leadership Fort Smith memories was projected on a screen. Group photos of the 25 past graduating classes were displayed on a banquet table.

The Boxfoot band entertained, and Ralph's Pink Flamingo BBQ catered the event. Tickets were a (staggering) $12.50 and included adult beverages by Post Winery and Burford Distributing.

The City Wire donated a 30-day advertisement on its website for the class with the largest attendance.

Leadership Fort Smith accepts 25 students per year who have either demonstrated leadership skills or are potential emerging leaders in the community. A committee reviews the nominations (including self-nomination) and decides who is accepted.

The nine-month program requires 10 day-long sessions, a two-day retreat, a closing session and several projects. The cost is $1,500 with each student required to pay at least $250 out of their own pocket to verify their commitment to the program. The remaining balance is often paid by the person's employer.