A new generation of community leaders stepped into the spotlight as the Focus 21st Century Minority Leadership Program, Inc., held its 2025 graduation ceremony Friday, April 26, at the Pioneer’s Memorial Complex.
The evening gathered around 100 guests in celebration of achievement, service, and growth.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Alissa Young, President and CEO of Hopkinsville Community College—herself a 1991 graduate of the program’s charter class.
Her return served as a powerful reminder of the legacy and lasting impact of Focus.
This year’s graduating class includes:
Dayatra Coleman – Production Associate, TRAD
Minister Mitchell Fort II – Associate Minister and Musician, Virginia Street Baptist Church
Naytrismis (Nate) Harris – Team Member, Tom Bell State Farm Insurance
Lynnette Nolan, Tamisha Nolan, and Tashay Nolan – Workers at T-GASK and Jennie Stuart Health
Melissa Russell – 5th Grade Math Teacher, Freedom Elementary
Jerimine Smith – Production Tech, Metalsa
Angelique Victor – Owner, OI Skool Graphics
The ceremony also honored Minister Mitchell Fort II with the Focus Spirit Award for his unwavering enthusiasm, encouragement to peers, and perfect attendance throughout the eight-month training.
The Focus program continues to equip emerging minority leaders with the tools to serve and uplift the Hopkinsville community.
Board officers include: Verdell Smith (President), Shannon Reeves (Vice President), Raychel Farmer (Secretary), Lucretia McGee (Assistant Secretary and Co-Program Director), Carrie Caples (Co-Program Director), Diane Croney-Turner (Treasurer), and Dorothy Tolliver (Historian).
For further information, contact Croney-Turner at (270) 881-0265.
