Leadership East Texas celebrated the accomplishments of its Class of 2026 during a graduation luncheon held Wednesday, April 15, at Cleveland ISD Administration Building, marking the completion of the program’s nine-month leadership training course.
Prior to this year’s graduation of 22 students, Leadership East Texas had already graduated more than 70 participants through the program in previous years.
Participants in the program dedicate one day each month to classroom instruction focused on developing leadership skills they can apply in their careers and communities.
“This is a nine-month program. They dedicate one day out of the month for classroom training,” said Chair-elect Chuck Thompson. “The entire purpose is to get them involved with leadership skills so that they can transfer those skills to employment opportunities or leadership roles in their community.”
In addition to classroom training, participants complete community service projects. This year’s class, one of the largest to date, split into two groups to complete separate projects. One group worked on a beautification project at the Tarkington Community Library, while the other focused on cleaning up the community pond in front of Cleveland Middle School. To see the video of the community pond project, click here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHGGErZsVw/v4zMByJ3WDHdpfChRRnqig/watch
Tarkington Library project
The luncheon also marked the final meeting for Heidi Soles in her role as chief operating officer. Soles is stepping back to focus on work and family commitments. Lanora Purvis, founder of Heaven’s Army Home of Amazing Grace, will step into the role moving forward.
Guest speakers and alumni reflected on the program’s impact, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond titles or positions.
“When I was first asked to speak about leadership, I didn’t think about titles,” alumnus Wendy McNair said. “I thought about people — the ones who show up, the ones who care, the ones who quietly make things better even when no one’s watching.”
McNair encouraged graduates to recognize that leadership is rooted in action and consistency.
“Leadership at its core isn’t about authority, it’s about influence,” she said. “It’s about choosing to step forward when something needs to be done, even if you’re unsure.”
Fellow alumnus Brian Garcia, a member of the inaugural Leadership East Texas class, echoed those sentiments, noting the program’s continued growth and its impact on the region.
“It opens your eyes to a bigger picture of how communities work and who keeps things moving,” Garcia said. “Leadership isn’t about position. It’s about involvement.”
Garcia encouraged graduates to remain engaged and connected as they move forward.
“Healthy, thriving communities aren’t built on titles or positions,” he said. “They’re built by networks of people who care enough to stay involved.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas to the Leadership East Texas Class of 2026. Graduates include Glenn Barnes, Bryan Brooks, Melinda Brookes, Roger Brookes, Tonya Clark, James Davidoff, Carly Goff, Elaine Guerrero, Debra Hagler, James Keleman, Terri MacIntyre, Daryl Marek, Santos Medina, Anam Momin, Kortni Phipps, Lanora Purvis, Tonya Rawls, Sidney Robinson, Allie Smart, Bonnie Wentworth, Charlie Whitehead and Stephanie Young.
