Submitted by Professor Mike “Q” Quaintance, MBA, CCE, Program Chair, Keiser University, Fort Myers
After almost six months. the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral graduated its 18th Jr. Leadership Class with twenty-eight high school juniors completing the program. The students last day started out with a trip to Cape Coral Hospital, which was filled with tours and a presentation from Scott Kashman, CAO of the hospitals in the Lee Health system. Scott Kashman is also known for his tireless efforts to promote a healthy life-style. Mr. Kashman challenged the students to do thirty push-ups, thirty burpees, thirty sit-ups and 10 jumping jacks in one day, and for their reward they were given healthy eating and exercise books.
Next, the students went to Gulf Coast Village to learn about their purpose in our community and how both the hospital system and Gulf Coast Village work together to meet our area’s growing health care needs. As part of their experience, the students got to exercise with the Gulf Coast Village population where they quickly discovered that it was not going to be as easy as they thought. Executive Director Kevin Ahmadi spoke at length about career opportunities in senior care as care giving institutions struggle to meet the growing needs of the silver tsunami.
In the evening, the Jr. Leadership families gathered to watch the philanthropic presentations that the students created from their research of four not-for-profit charities: Lifeline Family Center, Cape Coral Caring Center, Street Chicks and Cape Coral Special Pops. The students, with the support of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, designated $1,500 to both the Cape Coral Caring Center and Cape Coral Special Pops. Another highlight of graduation was long-time Cape Coral resident and philanthropist Elmer Tabor who was the guest speaker. His message focused on the importance of relationships and an appreciation for everyone’s contribution to our society.
It is the hope of the coordinators of Jr Leadership that the students have learned about what it takes to make a city, career opportunities and philanthropy. This program would not be possible without the generous support of the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral and its members. We hope that each of these students will help to pass along the gift of leadership to their peers.
Photos by One, Two, Snap Photography
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