During the board meeting held on Monday night, the Park Forest Board of Trustees honored the graduates of the Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy Class of 2025 at Village Hall, recognizing their commitment and achievements.
Over the nine-month program, which began in September and culminated in the recent graduation ceremony, the 12 participants met each month for informational sessions designed to deepen their understanding of local governance and community issues. The curriculum covered a diverse array of topics, including environmental challenges, municipal finance mechanisms, cultural arts programming initiatives, recreation and parks services, and the operations of local police and fire departments.
As part of the program, participants also toured Governors State University and Prairie State College, gaining insights into the various post-secondary education options available in their region.
During the ceremony, the Park Forest Board of Trustees extended their appreciation to the graduates for their dedication to the program. Mayor Joseph A. Woods presented each graduate with a diploma, celebrating their accomplishments, and took photographs with each individual to commemorate the occasion.
In his remarks, Mayor Woods encouraged the graduates to think about volunteering for one of the various commissions offered by the Village, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and community involvement. He shared his own journey as a graduate of the Civic Leadership Academy, highlighting how the program inspired him to pursue a career in public service and contribute to the betterment of the community.
The Civic Leadership Academy had relaunched last year but was interrupted when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order for nonessential activities, halting the program midway through its original schedule.
Individuals interested in applying for the next cohort of the Park Forest Civic Leadership Academy are encouraged to submit their applications via the Village's website before the Aug. 9 deadline. Those accepted into the program will start their journey in September, continuing the tradition of fostering informed and involved community leaders.