FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jefferson to Host Graduation Ceremonyfor its Civic Leadership Academy 2022 Cohort
Group to present preliminary findings on its researchfor Urban-Rural Divide in Erie County
Erie, Pennsylvania (January 18, 2023) – The Jefferson Educational Society, Erie’s think tank for community progress, will host a graduation ceremony this Thursday for its 2022 Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy (JCLA) cohort.
The ceremony at the Jefferson, 3207 State Street, will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, and a reception for the graduates and their guests will follow immediately afterwards. Twenty-four graduates (see full list below) representing a wide array of industries ranging from government to nonprofits to business will conclude their JCLA experience and join an alumni network of 170 graduates.
Launched in 2015, the JCLA is one of the key initiatives of the Jefferson Alliance for Community Progress (JACP), the civic-action arm of the Jefferson Educational Society.
“The Leadership Academy offers a unique and dynamic environment for Erie professionals,” noted Angela Beaumont, the JCLA Director. “The Academy affords participants an opportunity to learn more about the form and function of their county through a transformative, hands-on learning experience. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of this year’s graduates and of the seriousness with which they approached this opportunity.”
This academic year’s JCLA experience included a retreat to Harrisburg in June 2022 to meet with state leaders, including leaders in both the state House of Representatives and state Senate, and Superior Court Judge Victor Stabile. The class also met with Melissa Batula, PennDOT's Acting Executive Deputy Secretary, and Jeff Warner of the Department of Agriculture, to begin its research on infrastructure in Pennsylvania with specific focus on Erie County.
Each year, JCLA applies the lessons learned from the program to a group-action project. This year’s focus is on Bridging the Urban Rural Divide in Erie County by means of improving municipal infrastructure, resources, and services. The group will present preliminary findings from its research during the graduation ceremony Thursday and will present the full report to the public on February 17 at noon at the Jefferson Educational Society.
The keynote address at the graduation ceremony will be given by Judge John Trucilla, who will receive this year’s Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy Award for his support of the program. North East Borough Manager Patrick Gehrlein received the award in 2022.
Media coverage of this event is welcomed; JES spokespersons and Leadership Academy graduates will be available for comment at the event.
For comments in advance, please contact:
Angela Beaumont
Director of Programming
The Jefferson Educational Society
814.459.8000
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The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie is a nonprofit institution founded to promote civic enlightenment and community progress for the Erie region through study, research, and discussion. The Jefferson offers courses, seminars, and lectures that explain the central ideas that have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie region. As an Erie think tank, the Jefferson Educational Society promotes knowledge and civic pride through institutional and familial research, the publication of policy papers on public issues, and the sponsorship of civic forums.
2022 JCLA Cohort:
Lynn Armel
Mapu Boayue
Gabrielle Catrabone
Raven Clark
Aaron Coseo
Jamie Dolmovich
Donald Hatheway
Zachary Herron
Mandi Johnson
Keith Jones Pomeroy
Douglas Massey
Branden Montgomery
Autumn Parker
Katie Patterson
Kyle Rodney
Colin Russ
Susmita Sarki
Erin Sekerak
Scott Tarasovitch II
Tywonn Taylor
Clark Tieman
Jenny Tompkins
Hilda Torres
Olivia Wickline
JCLA information and application form available here: https://www.jeserie.org/civic-leadership-academy
