Eleven Montezuma County residents were honored Thursday night for graduating from the Montelores Family Leadership Training Institute.
The 11 graduates were recognized after going through a 20-week program where they developed projects for the community following an intensive training by the institute.
Coordinator Trish Peters presented the graduates with what she called a survivor kit with each item signifying what the graduates exemplified.
For example, a rubber band was given to the graduates to signify how they were able to stretch their time and resources, paper clips to signify how they were able to connect things and a band aid for any bruises or scrapes that may occur.
I am proud of you and am extremely proud to be here, Peters told the graduates. We want you to come with the skills you have acquired.
Peters said the 20-week institute was split into two parts. The first 10 weeks was geared toward identifying concerns and projects, and the second 10 weeks focused on the democracy tool into how to incorporate the parts of the program after creating them.
Gabi Morey, education outreach director for the San Juan Mountains Association, focused her project on getting Mesa Elementary students outside rather than staying inside.
Morey said she had been thinking about creating a plan to convince students to participate in outdoor activities and being involved in the training institute pushed her to pursue it.
She said she contacted teachers at Mesa Elementary with the idea for teachers to use the outdoors as a teaching tool.
She also pointed that a child spends more than six hour a day inside using new technology gadgets.
She said she wanted to make a difference in the community. She added her job helped her with her project because they go hand in hand.
She said the second 10-week portion of the institute helped the class learn specific ways to get involved in the community and how people can implement changes.
Morey said she kind of knew this but the training was a good reinforcement.
Ginger Cunliffe created an anti-bullying video that will be shown to students in the Montezuna-Cortez School District Re-1, including all incoming seventh graders at the middle school.
Cunliffe said she wanted to show children who have been bullied that they can come out of it a stronger person.
Tyra Hughes project focused on providing children up to age five a free health fair where all types of services will be provided.
Aaron Boyers project revolved around a community garden workshop to discuss techniques and models while meeting with government officials regarding support for community gardens.
At the end of the graduation, Mayor Dan Porter thanked the 11 graduates and urged them to get involved in city affairs, mentioning the numerous committees that have vacancies.
Michael Maresh can be reached at michaelm@cortezjournal.com.