Nineteen graduates from the Graham County Chamber of Commerce Gila Valley Leadership Class took turns accepting their certificates at the graduation celebration June 19 at the Graham County General Services Building.

The leadership class is made up of 10 daylong workshops that present topics such as natural resources, leadership and team building, mining, agriculture, local and state government, health care and astronomy.

The class begins in September and meets once a month for 10 months.

Janet Curtis-Oesterling, a graduate of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce Gila Valley Leadership Class III, accepts her certificate from Steve Junion. Photo by Keri Lunt

This is the third year the class has taken place. Topics are established by the Gila Valley Leadership Alumni, and subject modifications are made as needed.

Each year, the class must participate in a community service project. This year during the law enforcement and courts class day, the group learned about situations children experience when they are removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.

Class member Ryan Rapier said, “One example (the presenter) gave really struck a chord with the class.” Because of it, 72 duffel bags were filled by the class with blankets, pillows, toys, clothes, hygiene products and more to give to CPS children.

At the graduation, guest speaker Steve Hardison, an executive coach, spoke about leadership qualities that are acquired through self-discipline.

“Be your word or be your excuses,” Hardison said.

He said people sell their excuses and buy others’ excuses when, instead, they need to follow through with their promises and learn to say no when necessary and, in turn, expect the same from others.

Sheldon Miller, the Chamber of Commerce director, said the purpose of the class is to give people an opportunity to get involved with their community and raise awareness of what is happening in their community and state.

Applications for the fourth class are available at the Chamber of Commerce or can be downloaded on the Chamber’s Web site. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at 428-2511 or visit the Web site at www.graham-chamber.com.