On April 14, Leadership Monroe County graduated Class XXVI. Although Hurricane Irma threatened to disrupt the Keys galaxy, the “Stormtroopers” came together to become true ambassadors of the Florida Keys — learning all about what makes the islands unique, with an eye on assuming leadership roles to continuously improve where we live, work and raise our families. The 22 graduates hail from Key West, Marathon and the Upper Keys.
— Weekly Staff report
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Leadership President Henry Rosenthal presents retiring board member Diane Weitz with an array of orchids.
Kim Jones, left, and Maria Jones, right, celebrate Ann Sandlin’s graduation. Maria was a board member of Leadership for many years.
Classmates Walt Stephens, Jodi Randel and Frederick Matthews represent the Upper Keys with style and class.
Some class members including Paul Patterson, Joanne Zimmerman and Key Colony Beach Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni chat before the ceremony.
Cora Baggs, left, Marathon Fire Rescue’s Deputy Chief Eric Dunford and Cherie Dunford come for the fun.
Layton Vice Mayor Bruce Halle, left, is awarded a special Stormtrooper figurine by Village of Islamorada manager Seth Lawless. Halle was a true leader of Class XXVI.
Douglas Helkenn of Key West stole the show as the emcee of the graduating class’ skit. Those socks! Those legs!
Besides graduates and loved ones, many community leaders come out to witness the extravaganza. Pictured are Class XXVI’s Jeremy Wilkerson, center, US1 Radio’s Ron Saunders, left, and Bob Thomas from Key Largo Chocolates.
Leadership’s Misha McRae of the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden has his own cheering section with these important volunteers. Betty Desbiens, center, is the founder of the garden in Key West and a spry 96.
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