CALLICOON -- Leadership can be presented in different forms around the community. For Leadership Sullivan participants, the role of being leaders will continue even though their time with the program has ended.

On Wednesday, June 12 at the Villa Roma Club House, 19 individuals graduated from the Leadership Sullivan program, which is dedicated to helping members within the county get the proper resources to better the community and assist with the growth of the area.

“I thought I knew Sullivan County, until I took this class,” Class of 2019 President Courtney Cross said. She was born and raised in Liberty, and after going through the ten-month program, she noted how in tune she was with the changes happening, and how she gained valuable connections. “It opened up my eyes in a whole new aspect,” Cross added.

Leadership Sullivan is a non-profit partisan program that is supported by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, and businesses can sponsor employees to participate. The program begins in September and does not end until the following June. Participants learn about several topics through workshops including team building skills, culture, the judicial system, politics and media. Class members also visit businesses onsite in order to gain perspective on different issues that may exist.

“I think it's fantastic they step into a different place in the community,” Chair of the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation Karen Russell said. She notes how the participants in the program bring new and diverse ideas to their classes. Each year the groups are expected to produce a project that is self-sustained and that benefits the community. This year's Leadership Sullivan participants made hygiene kits to help Safe Homes of Orange County. “Watching them grow is a great feeling,” Russell said.

“The best part of this program is working alongside folks that have the same passion I do for Sullivan County,” Cross said. She noted how her two vice presidents Allison Simpson and Colleen Osterhout played major roles in helping her with the project and completing goals. “Even within the 10 months, we have been supporting each other,” Cross added.

Graduates of the program each received a certificate, and those who participated include: Katherine Barnhart, Colette Berger, Isabel Braverman, Allison Capella, Maura Caycho, Timothy Coalla, Courtney Cross, Yolanda Diaz, Stephanie Elberth, Bobbi-Ann Kanoff, Kristen Kitson, Kristin Lockwood, Danielle Mann, Amber Novikov, Kassandra Johnstone, Colleen Osterhout, Sandi Rowland, Anne-Louise Scandariato, and Allison Simpson.

As we see Sullivan County begin to make a comeback, Cross stresses how important it is to work as a team to better the community and continue to improve the resources that have been established. “If we don't work together, continuously, this isn't going to work,” Cross said.