Written by: Derek Beaven, Programs and Administrative Assistant, Kentucky Humanities, ELEVATE Kentucky Class of 2024

From Wednesday, April 10th through Friday, April 12th, 28 participants from 21 counties met in Owensboro to form the 2024 class of ELEVATE Kentucky.

Participants gathered at the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital where they were greeted by Director of Community Engagement for Owensboro Health, Debbie Zuerner. After a few introductions and icebreakers, Father Larry Hostetter of Brescia University provided an engaging discussion on ethics, exploring the necessity of developing a homegrown ethical framework in one’s own life. Father Larry provided a sheet of tenets gathered throughout his own life experience and urged us all to have the patience of a gardener. Candance Brake of the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce also provided a warm welcome to Owensboro, inviting us all to explore and engage during our time there.

Next, participants were given a tour of the hospital facilities. Highlights included art installations, Audubon certified ponds complete with walking trails, family suites for visitors, and an emphasis on patient comfort. The tour was followed by a discussion on “place making” led by Dr. Nicholas Brake of Western Kentucky University. Dr. Brake highlighted the strengths of successful small communities: diverse populations, local eateries and brewpubs, walkable towns filled with art, strong economic and career options, etc. This sparked insightful discussion amongst the group as Dr. Brake encouraged us all to think about how we could transform our towns into intentional places. The evening concluded with a three-course dinner at the Cupola Club, full of fresh food and conversation.

Thursday began at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum with a presentation on the importance of agriculture in the region. Joan Hayden and Clint Hardy touched on many of the themes from Dr. Brake’s presentation, citing the tandem of agriculture and innovation as the backbone of a thriving Owensboro community. They discussed the importance of the river and of the land as a grounding force for the community and the region. Next came ELEVATE Class of 2022 graduate, Jordan Baize, who spoke on the benefits of surrounding yourself with those who know, understand, share, and guide your values; your personal “board of directors.” He spoke on how to become local community leaders and encouraged us all to find nonprofits with which to engage. To close out the morning, half of the 2024 class shared details of their stories and careers, and all participated in a brief leadership lab with ELEVATE Program Coordinator, Karen Butcher.

After a lunch catered by the world-famous Moonlight BBQ (the sight of which had this class member questioning his vegetarian tendencies), Dave Kirk of Visit Owensboro gave a minds-eye walking tour of Owensboro, due in large part to torrential rain. Mr. Kirk explained to us how the revitalized riverfront promenade came to be, how Owensboro maintained its affordability amidst nationwide inflation, and how music, conferences, and festivals were key to Owensboro’s success. The afternoon concluded with a tour of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, including the new Jerry Garcia exhibit.

After a social break, the group returned to the hotel for dinner catered by Fetta Specialty Pizza and a discussion on Owensboro community projects led by Emma Woosley. Woosley discussed various projects she has participated in around town, including an overview of her work regarding Moneta Sleet Jr., an Owensboro native and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer famous for his civil rights photographs.

On the final day, the class toured Sun Windows, a multi-generation family business based in Owensboro. The trip concluded with a discussion of the DiSC assessment, which was designed to provide insights into one’s personality and communication style in the workplace.  

The class will gather again from Monday, May 13th through Wednesday, May 15th in Pikeville for the next session.