Jennifer Harper, Class XXII, Communications Director

Graduation for Class XXIV was held Wednesday, June 12 at the Three Rivers Convention Center. Nearly 200 people attended to celebrate the class on their achievement, as well as congratulate Brian Ace, Class XIII, as this year’s Alumnus of the Year recipient.

Each year the class selects a project that benefits an organization within the community. Class XXIV partnered with Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties (DVSFB). The class made several improvements to their shelter, including upgrades to the staircase, installing an improved security system and play area for children, and making several minor improvements to the property. In addition to these upgrades, the class presented DVSFB with a check for $21,000 – the remainder of the funds raised from their benefit held in April.

Leadership Tri-Cities recognized Brian Ace, Class XIII, as recipient of the 2019 Alumnus of the Year Award. Brian was instrumental in the completion of the new Boys & Girls Club facility in East Kennewick which will serve about 250 students in an area identified as a critical concern, lacking in programs and outreach dedicated to changing kids’ lives. This project, along with others, shows the time, energy and passion Brian puts in to make sure our local youth have safe places and educational resources to become our next generation of leaders.

Brian spoke to the class of his experience with Leadership Tri-Cities, and hoped they all were left feeling “tired, but inspired” after their year.

Congratulations to Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXIV:

Renee Adams, Mid-Columbia Ballet
Brandon Andersen, Bonsai Audio
Kaitlin Carter, Energy Northwes
Crystal Carter, Rebuilding Mid-Columbia
Jerry Cochran, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Megan Cook, Walla Walla Community College
Hector Cruz, Visit Tri-Cities
Jennifer Cunnington, STCU
Adele Dallman, Washington River Protection Solutions
Michelle DeGooyer, Medicity
Scott Hagihara, Lamb Weston
Diane Hamlin, Kadlec
Patti Jones, CHPRC
Lori Lott, Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation
Ryan Malm, Columbia Basin College
Leo Martinez Jr., Numerica Credit Union
Marc Newman, 1st Security Bank
Cindy Powell, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Julie Schroeder, Academy of Children’s Theatre
Sara Schwan, The Children’s Reading Foundation
Richa Sigdel, City of Pasco
Kelsie Smith, Columbia Basin College
Tracy Spooner, Mission Support Alliance
Ben Stewart, Energy Northwest
Rebecca Weber, Washington State Department of Agriculture