(June 25, 2008) -- On June 17, the Leadership Anson Class of 2008 celebrated their graduation with a dinner and plaque presentation at the First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro.
     Todd Moore, chairman of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors, welcomed the class and guests. Christie Dutton, Class of 2008, gave the invocation. The meal was catered by Events Catering and Planning of Wadesboro.
     Shana Peale, Class of 2008, introduced the speaker -- Lynn Edwards, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
     Edwards, a Class of 2004 graduate, traced her "roots" to becoming a recognized leader in the community; and challenged the new graduates to become involved in community programs through volunteerism.
     Edwards and Scott Collier, South Piedmont Community College instructor for the Leadership Anson program, presented plaques to the following graduates:

• Tracie Boone, South Piedmont Community College

• Bettie Broadway, Caraway Foundation

• DeRita Cox, Anson County Sheriff's Office

• Christie Dutton, Hornwood Inc.

• Thomas Jarman, Wadesboro Police Department

• Zana Lambert, Anson Community Hospital

• Pamela Layfield, Anson County Cooperative Extension Center

• Jeanette Little, Lillie Bennett Nursing Center

• Jeffrey McCormick Sr., Wadesboro Police Department

• Shana Peale, Anson County Partnership for Children

• Dana Roberts, South Piedmont Community College

• Lauren Sellers, South Piedmont Community College

• Ellen Stephens, RBC Bank

     Jenny LaFave, Anson Community Hospital, was absent.
     The Class of 2008's motto was "Leaders for Little Ansonians" and the class raised $1,200 with a bake sale.
     The Leadership Anson program, started in 1997 by the Chamber of Commerce, is co-sponored by South Piedmont Community College and Hornwood Inc.