Hopkinsville’s Focus 21st Century Minority Leadership Program recognized its 2024 class during a graduation ceremony Friday, April 26, at the Pioneer’s Memorial Complex.
Charles Turner, the volunteer coordinator at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center and a graduate of the Focus charter class in 1991, was the keynote speaker. His address was titled “Leadership Development to do Good: Making a Difference.”
The 2024 graduates are:
- Shannon Bigbee, credentialing coordinator at Verisys Corp.
- Lorrie Brown, patient advocate at Jennie Stuart Health and case manager at Grace and Mercy
- Stephanie Brown, concierge and human spirit captain at Charter Senior Living of Hopkinsville — and retired with 27 years from Christian County Public Schools
- Cardonna Culler, customer service representative at Christian County Water District
- Mercedez Fleming, lead recruiter at Crown Staffing
- Barnetta Frazier, previously employed as a Family Support Specialist III with Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
- Karisma Hopson, Instructional Assistant II at Martin Luther King Elementary and owner of Legacy Academy Child Care Center
- Deborah McKnight, retired as a medical receptionist at Generations Primary Care
- Derrick Quarles, branch manager and banking officer at Planters Bank
The Focus Spirit Award winner was Fleming. She was recognized as being easily motivated and inspired while encouraging others — and showed “tremendous dedication during the eight-month training period,” Focus treasurer and co-program director Diane Coney-Turner said in a press release.
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