Tag Archives: Leadership

Pathways to Leadership

Leadership, as I tell my 8th grade students in our Middle School Leadership Council, is something that should not be turned off and on. It is a characteristic that tugs at you, guides your decision making, and can have the power to help others in our community, school, family, or even world. Some people are born to lead, and others are uncomfortable in the role but know when the right cause or opportunity presents itself, that it has to be done.

My personal pathway to leadership began with great role models, a faith in Christ, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Parents who were leaders in their professions and the community, coaches and teachers that gave tirelessly of their time, and leaders in this very community, that inspire us to do more by leading in positive ways every day. Our leadership motto at Central DeWitt Middle School is “We Rise by Lifting Others”. Whether that desire comes from a great mentor, our faith tells us to do so, or we feel civically responsible, in the end it is helping others that motivates us all to do something!!

Leadership, like life, has phases. No matter how many boards and committees we sit on or work organizations we have been involved with, sometimes it just isn’t the time. Life happens, and in different phases of our life, our role as a leader takes back seat to things like mother, or caretaker, or student, or just plain tired and can’t right now. Great leaders know when to follow. Great leaders listen. Great leaders change others but also see the importance of others changing them. Great leaders know when something is not their expertise. Great leaders sometimes are so busy doing laundry and changing diapers that being a part of a committee or organization seems light years away. Leaders doubt their abilities at times, and man do they sometimes get burnt out. It is in times like these that I have been so thankful to be a part of a community that picks each other up, supports each other, and continues to grow because so many people have the desire to share their talents and help others.

We have six great examples of that diverse talent and leadership that were recognized as Leaders Under Forty by the LincolnWay Foundation this fall. All of them and their involvement in our community help remind us of how everyone’s talents and pathways to leadership are different. While I may be able to help organize a beef dinner and coral 120 wild 7th graders every day. Justin Butt, owner of Butt’s Meat, is busy selling the beef, working on preservation and looking to corral “actual” wild animals. Rachel Neilsen, Investment Assistant at Cetera Advisor Networks at DeWitt Bank & Trust, can obviously dance; I just pretend to know how. She knows how to run go carts. I, on the other hand, can drive a mean golf cart! Jon Thiel, owner of Thiel Motors, and I both put out fires, but he has sold cars to people in 17 foreign countries, I work hard just to get 13 year- old’s to be able to identify, heck even name, 17 foreign countries. April Carpenter, the Administrative Assistant at the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company, and I have never even met but apparently, we are the same person. She is hanging out at the UCC church, mowing, working on a summer lunchbox program, and volunteering at the school in Wheatland while I am doing much of the same in DeWitt. Stacie Cronkleton, owner of the Photography Mill, is running for school board and is an award-winning photographer; I am serving on other boards while still trying to figure out how the camera on my phone works! And last but certainly not least my dear friend Sharae Huff, Director or Quality at Community Health Care. Her passion for bringing quality healthcare to all people and dedication to those in our community who need it most is second to none, but just the names of the conferences she attends and classes she is taking make my head spin.

Six different pathways to Leadership, six great examples of how to take your passions and do something with them for the betterment of our community.

It is through organizations like the LincolnWay Community Foundation and countless others in this community that we are reminded of what can be done for others when people give of their time, talent, and resources. Everyone has something to offer, and each of us is just a small piece of the puzzle that when put together makes this area of Iowa such a special place to be.

Jen Froeschle

DeWitt Resident & Community Volunteer

Central DeWitt Middle School Social Studies Teacher

2012 LincolnWay Foundation Leader Under Forty


Our Community, Our Home

I love to volunteer for activities that allow me to interact with kids in my community.  Whether it is at my church, or our community library, it’s rewarding to provide an activity that teach or entertain our community’s youth.  Volunteering at DeWitt’s Autumn Fest is a great opportunity to see the children I may already know from other community events and to meet the rest of their families.  But more importantly, it is an opportunity to build bridges with the next generation.  Someday, they will be the leaders of our community, and if I can help nurture them in some way, I feel that it is time well spent.

DeWitt is a lovely community and a great place to live and to raise children.  I want the children to be exposed to the many great aspects of the community and maybe raise their family here. Hopefully, some of them will become the leaders that help our community stay strong, safe and thriving.

It is important as adults, as parents, as churches, as business owners and as community leaders; to do everything we can to help our children have positive things to do with their time and energy.  Autumn Fest is an event that provides an opportunity to be involved in kid’s lives and to help our community stay strong.  Events like Autumn Fest connect people with their hometown and help them build relationships with one another.  “Home” is a very special place, we should do everything we can to continue to make DeWitt “home” for our kids and their families.

Cindy Nees, Director of Children’s Ministries, DeWitt Evangelical Free Church