In The Beginning
The idea of Awareness Washington County was conceived in early 1982 when several organizational units in the county received notification of an upcoming grant competition throughout the state sponsored by The Lilly Endowment, Inc. Communities were invited to submit proposals for programs aimed at stimulating local leadership training.

 

A group of concerned citizens who saw a need

Awareness Washington County

Creating Leaders... Who Create Leaders... Who Create Leaders… Who Create Leaders…

to enhance the quality of life in Washington County responded to the opportunity. Thus, seven local organizations and governmental units appointed one representative each to a steering committee. They were as follows: Trent Thompson, Washington County Chamber of Commerce; Louis Korff, Salem City Council; David Bagshaw, Washington County Commissioners; Edgar DeJean, Washington County Council; Howard Butler, East Washington School Corporation; Ben Weathers, Salem Community Schools; and Jo Gabbard, West Washington School Corporation.

 

This steering committee structured a grant proposal and submitted it to The Lilly Foundation, Inc. in April, 1982. Washington County was one of 11 communities selected for funding and was granted $7,000. Additional funds were raised through tax deductible tuition fees and donations that have been the source of support since the founding grant.

 

Lilly Endowment specified that the project objective was to increase the supply of local leaders in a community by preparing individuals for decision-making positions. The steering committee structured the program to meet these specifications and to make participants aware of challenges and opportunities in the county. They believed this type of format would translate into positive actions. From this concept, came the name Awareness Washington County (AWC).  AWC was established as a branch of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of organization and its ability to use the tax status of the Chamber. The late Clyde "Bill" Goen, a former Chamber President, was asked to serve as AWC's first Director.

 

Classes Begin

The first class began in February, 1983, and ended in October, 1983. Goen served as Director through 1985 after which Carmelita Jean, a graduate of the 1984 class, took over as Director from 1986 through 1987. She was followed by Becky Naugle, also a 1984 graduate, who served from 1988 through 1989.

 

Jean regained the responsibility of Director in the fall of 1989 and changed the program year from October through June, graduating classes in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993.  Janice Cheatham, graduate of the Class of 1987, assisted Jean all four years, with Janie Gilstrap joining forces during the 1991-92 year. The graduating classes have continued annually since then and have expanded to include a program called "Awareness on the Home Front," an abbreviated program available in 1996 in Hardinsburg and in 1997 in Campbellsburg.

 

We The Youth

AWC's "We the Youth" leadership program was started in 1989 with a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. It is now funded through community support. The 10-month leadership program is for freshmen and sophomores attending one of the three Washington County schools. It is designed to expose young people to the various elements that form a strong and dynamic community.

Arts Alive—Bringing the Arts to Light in Washington County

AWC's Arts Alive inaugural festival was held on May 15, 2004 at Delaney Park.  It was made possible by grants from The Arts Council of Southern Indiana and the Washington County Community Foundation.  In addition to the grants, it was also funded through community support.  Gold Patrons—Jean and Donovan Wilson, Silver Patrons—James Wilkins House, Home Federal, Steven Brewer, Cottingim, and Tri-Kappa Associates, and Bronze Patrons—Allen Law Office, Knapp, Miller, Brown, and E.E. Martin.  Arts Alive was started to address the recurring concern for a lack of cultural opportunity and artistic interaction.

 

The Challenge of AWC

AWC is one of approximately 30 leadership groups in the state. Like its sister groups, AWC educates a small group of leaders annually through familiarizing them with local business and industry, educational facilities, city and county government, community history and resources; teaches leadership skills in order to work effectively on boards and committees; and provides opportunity to develop friendships and alliances; and implement training through class projects.

 

Participants are encouraged to grow and flourish in leading Washington County into the future. Many graduates have been elected to public office and many lead committees for the betterment of Washington County. With continued support and participation, positive changes will abide.