Education is the foundation of our future, and during Session 11 of Leadership Training Program, we took a deep dive into the opportunities, challenges, and evolving landscape of education in Pennsylvania. 📚 Hosted at Larry J. Macaluso Elementary School, the evening provided invaluable insights into the current structure of the PA public school system, the disparities within it, and how we can all play a role in supporting and strengthening education in our communities. Special thanks to our session sponsor, Barley Snyder, and Erica Townes, Associate, for their support! 💙 Our participants engaged in three impactful breakout sessions led by expert presenters: 🔹Early Learning Support for PA Children and Families with Luisa Olivo Wolf, Bureau Director, Early Learning Policy & Professional Development, PA Department of Human Services & Education 🔹 Shaping Tomorrow: The Strategic Role of Pennsylvania Superintendents in Education with Dr. Robert Walker, Superintendent, Red Lion School District. 🔹 Teaching in Today’s World with Kristen King, Learning Support Teacher, Central York Middle School. From early learning initiatives to the realities of teaching in today’s world, this session provided a deeper understanding of both the rewards and challenges of education. A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing their knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations on how we can support students and educators alike! 🌟

Executive Connections: Session 3 – Education in York County ✨ Education is more than just learning—it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and shaping the future workforce. During Session 3 of Executive Connections, our class took a deep dive into the educational landscape of York County, exploring both the opportunities and challenges that impact students, educators, and employers alike. Our participants had the privilege of hearing from an incredible lineup of speakers who shared valuable insights on everything from higher education to workforce development, including the growing importance of trades and apprenticeships. A huge thank you to: 🎓 Jon Price, Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Professor of History & Political Science, Penn State York 🔧 Thomas Henchey, Business Manager, I.B.E.W. Local 229 & Phil Lamison, Apprenticeship Director, I.B.E.W. Local 229 & York Electrical Institiute 🏫 Dr. Josh Doll (EC 12), Superintendent, Dallastown Area School District 👶 Sarah Bradley (MY 17, NLA 24, LDS 25), Executive Director, York Day early Learning A special shoutout to Ledge Inc. for sponsoring this session! We’re grateful to Adam Marsh (FLY 02, MY 20), President of Ledge Inc., for sharing his expertise and supporting leadership development in York County. These conversations reinforced the powerful role education plays in opening doors—not just for academic success, but for building stronger communities and improving overall quality of life.

Our latest NLA session was all about the art of motivating and leading people—whether it’s staff, volunteers, or entire teams! 💡💪 Class members explored organizational culture and what it truly means to lead with purpose. Then, they heard from two incredible leaders: 🔹 Amy Guise (NLA '17), Chief of Planning Division at US Army Corps of Engineers, shared her expertise on coaching & mentoring—a crucial part of building strong, high-performing teams. 🔹 Sam Miller (EC '09), President of Wolfgang Confectioners, inspired the class with insights on Leading through Culture, proving that a thriving workplace starts from the top! This session was packed with takeaways that will help our class lead with confidence and impact. 💥

Last month, we took over Rockfish Public Grill for our Mentorship York Alumni Panel, and this year’s theme was a total game-changer: Mentorship Mania! 🏆🎤 Think you know your mentor or mentee best? Our epic game show put that to the test—AND the competition was fierce! 🔹 Shoutout to the Class of 2025 for claiming the title of best attendance this year! 🔹 Huge thanks to our game show host extraordinaire, Sean Kenny (LTP 05, NLA 09, MY 11, MY 12) for keeping the energy high! 🔹 And a BIG round of applause to our first-ever Mentorship Mania champions: Joyce Santiago (MY 14, NLA 17) and her mentor, C. Kim Bracey (MY 17)! 🏅 From laughs to friendly rivalries, it was a night to remember. Already counting down to next year! Who’s ready to take the crown in 2026?

It’s hereee!📢 Our 2023-2024 Annual Report has arrived, and it’s packed with impact, inspiration, and incredible stories! See how we made a difference this year—and how YOU were a part of it! 🔎 Check it out now by visiting our website: www.leadershipyork.org

Shoutout to our incredible Mentorship York liaisons! ✨ With 15 dedicated liaisons (one class even has two!), this group is all about keeping our MY alumni connected—to each other, the program, and Leadership York. A special thank you to Donnie Sanders (Ream Roofing, MY 21) for leading the charge! We couldn’t do this without you—your commitment keeps our network strong. Thank you! 👏💙

Behind the Scenes at The Pretzel Company! 🥨 Our Leadership Training Program had an amazing time touring The Pretzel Company, formerly known as York City Pretzel Company! Founded in December 2014, this beloved local business started as a 1,200-square-foot bakery in downtown York and has since grown into an 8,000-square-foot manufacturing facility—a true testament to their success! 🎉 This past December, they celebrated 10 years of delivering freshly baked pretzels to the York community and beyond. A fun fact: Founder Philip Given has taken The Pretzel Company to new heights, showcasing their delicious creations on QVC each month! Their lineup includes hand-twisted soft-baked pretzels, pretzel nuggets, monster-size soft pretzels, and pretzel braids with dips—all of which are irresistible! 📺 While we can’t reveal their secret ingredients, we’re incredibly grateful to Philip and his team for an unforgettable experience. Not only did we tour their facility, but we also got a hands-on pretzel-making lesson AND left with take-home boxes filled with fresh pretzels, salt, and dips! 😍 Thank you for this deliciously fun experience!

🌍✨ Our latest Leadership for Diverse Schools session challenged educators to deepen their understanding of faith and bias in the classroom. Participants continued to explore their own biases, recognized how faith shapes their environments, and identified various beliefs, observations, and traditions. They also examined the prejudices and stereotypes that impact different religions. A highlight of the session was an insightful panel discussion featuring speakers from a variety of religious backgrounds, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, PA Nonbelievers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Judaism. These conversations are crucial in fostering respectful and informed learning spaces! 💡