Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Today

The Scott County Horizons Leadership Program continues to grow and evolve each year. Past participants often return as mentors and guest instructors, sharing their insights and experiences to inspire the next generation of leaders. Below are highlights from the 2025 Scott County Horizons Class.

Kick off the program with an introduction to the goals and expectations, followed by a meet-and-greet with fellow participants and mentors. The session, introduced by Penny Horton and supported by Kim Dorton and Karen Davidson, set the tone for a transformative journey in leadership development.

Our Leadership Program kicked off with a powerful full-day seminar led by Deborah Clarkston, who guided participants through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

This foundational session provided participants with a framework for personal and professional effectiveness, emphasizing principles like proactivity, goal-setting, prioritization, and collaborative success.

The program helped participants reflect on how each habit can be applied in their own leadership journey.

From “Be Proactive” to “Sharpen the Saw,” the session invited deep personal reflection and inspired practical action, setting a strong foundation for the weeks to come.

The second week of our Leadership Program brought local history to life with a compelling presentation by Danny Dixon, who guided participants through more than 250 years of Scott County’s heritage. Beginning with early events in 1690, Danny offered a broad and insightful look at the people, milestones, and movements that have shaped the region.

From early settlements to cultural landmarks, Danny’s storytelling painted a vivid picture of Scott County’s journey through time, helping participants connect the past to the present. His engaging narrative emphasized how understanding our local history informs leadership, civic responsibility, and community pride.

The session was supported by Amy Hass, who helped coordinate the event and provided additional resources for further exploration. This thoughtful deep-dive served as a reminder that leadership is grounded not just in action, but in knowing where we come from.

In Week Three, the spotlight was on the essential qualities of leadership, with a hands-on session led by Beverly Musick and Tammy Castle from FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). Through real-world examples and personal insights, Beverly and Tammy shared the values and behaviors that define strong leaders.

The session was highly engaging, featuring a series of group activities designed to foster collaboration and self-awareness. One highlight was an interactive listening exercise, where participants learned the importance of active listening as a foundational leadership skill.

This week was supported by Ethan Howes, who helped students reflect on their personal leadership style, build trust within the group, and deepen their understanding of how effective communication shapes successful teams.

Week Four took place at the Scott County Career and Technical Center, where students gained firsthand insight into some of the region’s most impactful industries. The session was hosted by Courtney Stidham, who welcomed students and introduced a lineup of knowledgeable local experts.

The program began with Brittany Robertson, who spoke about the importance of tourism in Scott County’s economy, highlighting local attractions and the potential for growth in the travel and hospitality sector.

Next, Kaden Kilgore led students on an informative tour of the horticulture facilities, sharing his experience in the field and discussing the educational and career pathways available through horticultural training.

The session concluded with Jennifer Meade representing the Cattleman’s Association, who offered a deep dive into beef production and the role agriculture plays in both the local, state, and global economy.

Hosted by Courtney Stidham, this immersive experience gave students a well-rounded view of opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and technical education—while fostering appreciation for the industries that shape the future of Scott County.

Week Five of the Leadership Program took place at the LENOWISCO Building, where students engaged in a thought-provoking session led by John Kilgore and Duane Miller—two key leaders in the region’s economic landscape.

The discussion focused on economic development within Scott County, with an emphasis on the broader theme of regionalism—how collaboration between neighboring communities can drive sustainable growth. Students explored the challenges of rural economic development and the importance of long-term planning, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.

A central topic was the proposed Riverside Development, a new commercial project that aims to bring retail and lodging to the area. This development served as a real-world example of how vision, planning, and strategic investment can revitalize local economies and create lasting opportunities.

This session, also hosted by Courtney Stidham, gave participants a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shape the economic future of a region and underscored the role of strong leadership in that process.

In Week Six, participants were treated to a powerful session with Craig Seaver, former Virginia State Parks Regional Manager, who shared lessons in leadership drawn from his decades of experience in public service and natural resource management.

Centered around the motivating theme “Grab an Oar,” Craig’s message was clear: effective leaders don’t just steer the ship—they row alongside others. His talk emphasized initiative, teamwork, and the importance of servant leadership—showing up, doing the work, and helping others succeed.

With a mix of storytelling, practical wisdom, and a deep connection to the land and communities of Virginia, Craig inspired students to embrace leadership roles with integrity, humility, and action.

This session, hosted by Karen Davidson, served as a reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about pitching in, being dependable, and moving forward together.

Week Seven of the Leadership Program focused on government and civic leadership, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from public officials about how leadership functions at both the local and federal levels.

Supported by Amy Hass, the session featured Chris Maness, who represents District 6 on the Scott County Board of Supervisors, and Cody Mumpower, Deputy District Director for U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith.

Chris Maness shared his experiences in local government, discussing the responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors and how local decisions impact everyday life in Scott County. His talk emphasized the importance of listening to constituents and making informed, community-first decisions.

Cody Mumpower offered insight into the workings of federal government and the role congressional offices play in serving the public. He spoke about advocacy, constituent services, and the importance of staying informed and involved in policy matters.

Together, their perspectives encouraged students to become active, informed citizens and future leaders in government or public service.

In Week Eight of the Leadership Program, Amy Greer returned to lead the second session on community trusteeship, emphasizing the responsibility leaders have to contribute positively to their communities.

This week featured an interactive SWOT analysis exercise, where students worked together to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats facing Scott County. Through collaborative discussion, participants explored real-world challenges and brainstormed innovative ways to support the region’s economic growth and long-term development.

The session fostered strategic thinking and civic engagement, encouraging students to see themselves as future changemakers with the potential to influence their community’s success. It was a hands-on experience in connecting leadership principles with practical, local impact. The results of the group exercise will be reviewed for potential opportunities by the Economic Development Authority.

In Week Nine, the Leadership Program, hosted by Courtney Stidham, focused on the vital role education plays in community development and leadership. The session featured two key speakers who provided a comprehensive look at local educational resources and opportunities.

Jason Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Scott County Public Schools, highlighted the innovative programs, career readiness initiatives, and student success strategies taking place across the county’s schools. He shared how the district is working to prepare students not only academically, but also for leadership and life after graduation.

Jane Jones from Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) followed with an overview of MECC’s diverse offerings—from technical certifications to transfer degree programs. She emphasized the college’s role in supporting lifelong learning, workforce development, and access to affordable higher education in the region.

Together their presentations underscored the power of education to drive personal growth, economic mobility, and community transformation.

Week Ten offered an immersive look at the rich historical fabric of Scott County through a full-day heritage bus tour guided by local historian Danny Dixon. The session brought leadership lessons to life by connecting students with the stories and places that shaped the region’s past. A special thanks to Brian Dingus, Natural Tunnel Park Ranger for driving the tour bus.

Participants visited a series of significant historical landmarks, including:

• Kilgore Fort House – One of the county’s oldest standing frontier structures.

• Historic Bush Mill – A preserved 19th-century grist mill that illustrates early agricultural and economic life.

• Fort Blackmore – A key frontier outpost used for protection and settlement during early expansion.

• John Anderson Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel – A reconstruction of the original blockhouse used for frontier defense.

• Original Blockhouse Site – A visit to the actual location where the John Anderson Blockhouse once stood, adding depth to the historical narrative.

Throughout the tour, Danny shared stories of resilience, community, and leadership rooted in the pioneer era—offering powerful context for how the past influences the leadership and identity of Scott County today.

Week Eleven offered an eye-opening exploration of the infrastructure and services that keep Scott County running. Led by Robert Chapman, this full-day tour gave participants a firsthand look at the essential operations behind utilities and healthcare—two pillars of community well-being.

The itinerary included site visits to:

• Duffield Water Plant – Understanding how clean water is processed, treated, and distributed to residents.

• Duffield Sewer Plant – A look at wastewater management and environmental safeguards in action.

• Scott County Telephone Cooperative – Insight into how local broadband and telecommunications infrastructure supports homes and businesses across the region.

• Scott County Landfill – Learning how solid waste is managed, recycled, and regulated for long-term sustainability.

• Clinch River Health Services in Dungannon – Exploring how rural healthcare is delivered with compassion, innovation, and resilience.

Throughout the tour, Robert Chapman guided participants through the leadership challenges and operational complexities of each site. The session reinforced how these often behind-the-scenes services require not only technical expertise but also a deep sense of responsibility and care for the community.

Week Twelve marked the culmination of the Scott County Leadership Program with a celebration of growth, achievement, and community impact. The final session featured graduation ceremonies and the official presentation of team group projects—each designed to address real opportunities for leadership within the region.

Hosted by Karen Davidson, Kim Dorton, Penny Horton, and Robert Chapman, this special session recognized the hard work and dedication of each participant while highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the program.

Over the past several months, participants worked in teams to develop projects that reflect the values and needs of Scott County. These initiatives included creative community outreach efforts, strategic planning ideas, and digital tools—such as this leadership website—aimed at supporting future program participants and county-wide engagement.

Highlights of the session included:

• Formal Graduation Ceremony – Recognizing each participant’s commitment, leadership development, and contribution to the program.

• Team Presentations – Sharing actionable solutions and ideas with peers, program leaders, and community stakeholders.

• Reflections on the Journey – Participants discussed the personal growth and insights gained throughout the program.

The final session was both a celebration and a call to action—encouraging graduates to continue their leadership journey and serve as catalysts for positive change in Scott County.