Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown- Butler County Chamber of Commerce held the 2015 Annual Awards Dinner on Monday night at the Eva J. Hawes Building. 

Assistant Superintendent of Warren County Schools and Butler County native, Kathy Goff and Jason Kupchella , Chief Academic Officer for Warren County Schools were the guest speakers.  Goff spoke about the Leader In Me Program, which was introduced this year at Morgantown Elementary.
The Leader In Me Program teaches 21st Century Life Skills, which parents and businesses want.  According to Goff the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce needed an improved workforce and Western Kentucky University needed students that would get up, go to class, and set goals.
Goff stated, “The Leader In Me Program was developed by Dr. Stephen Covey from his book the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, published in 1989, Sean Covey, Muriel Summers and David Hatch. Covey’s famous quote was “Leadership is communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.”
“Long before there was Leader In Me, one of my teachers, Mrs. Cecila Burden,  at Butler County High School saw something in me I didn’t see and pushed me to become a leader.  She understood the skills I would need to be successful, and I thank her for that,” said Goff.
Goff shared the five year history of the Leader In Me Program in Warren County ( 14 Elementary and 3 Middle Schools) and the improvements they have witnessed. 
“We have seen students become empowered and accountability, and new and improved attitude from students, parents, staff and community, improved school cultures, new work ethic, increase student confidence and teamwork and increased partnerships with the community,” said Goff.
Kupchella, who was principal of Briarwood Elementary the first Lighthouse School in Kentucky, spoke about implementing the Leader In Me Program at Briarwood.
“One of the most important parts of the program is the student’s ability to set goals and learn how to accomplish them both academically and personal.  It is powerful to watch students make the transformation,” said Kupchella.
Tom Pogue and Teresa Montgomery of Delta Faucet presented the Butler County School District with  $15,000 for the Leader In Me Program. 
“We are very pleased to partner with the Butler County School for the Leader In Me Program. Here is your first check for $5,000 and we pledge another $10,000 over the next two years,” said Montgomery. Howard thanked Delta for their commitment to the students of Butler County.  He also thanked the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber for their $5,000 commitment as well.
An advisory council has been established to work with the Leader In Me program in the district.  The council includes, Kyla Dockery, Jim Green, Greg West, Donna Annis, Melanie Givens, Diane Dyer, James Runion and Eric Ingram.

Butler County Judge Executive David Field presented Tom Pogue of Delta Faucet with the Outstanding Industrial Business of the Year Award. 

Emily Wallace, daughter of Greg and Penny Wallace was presented the Outstanding Youth Chamber Achievement Award by Butler County School Superintendent Scott Howard.

Gail Smrtic was presented the Outstanding Community Volunteer Award by Roger Givens.  Smrtic has painted murals in Morgantown including, the Morgantown Mission and Beech Tree News.

The Butler County Rescue Squad was presented the Outstanding Non Profit/Civic Group Award by Chad Bratcher.

Chad and Robin Johnson of Johnson Farms received the Outstanding Agricultural Related Business of the Year Award presented by Chad Bratcher.

 Mayor Billy Phelps presented the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award to Bratcher Automotive.

Chamber President James Runion presented the City of Morgantown the Outstanding Community Improvement Award.

Jim Green was presented the Outstanding Community Leader Award by Chad Johnson.

The 2016 Chamber Board consists of President James Runion, VP Randall Gaskey, Mayor Phelps, Judge Fields, Supt. Howard, Shirley Allen, Chad Bratcher, Chad Johnson, Roger Givens, Amanda Neighbors, Eric Ingram, and Melissa Johnson. Annette Jared is the Chamber secretary.
The meal was catered by Green River Carterers.