Local Leadership Program

Over the past year, it's been my privilege to participate in a program sponsored by our Chamber of Commerce. As we live in Rowan County, our program is called, Leadership Rowan. There are a zillion programs just like it, in communities all over the US. There's Leadership Las Vegas and Leadership NYC and Leadership Nowhere, Iowa.
The purpose of the Leadership program is to expose the participants to a variety of experiences, all intended to further acquaint them with the many facets of the community: criminal justice, education, local business, finance, museums, local history, charities, local government, and community leaders. Whew. It has been a full year and I have learned so, so much.
When we started our year, I did not know one single person in the group. After a year of this program with them, I know some quite well, and have actually developed friendships with one or two.
The program kicked off with a dinner at the Country Club, including our spouses and bosses from work. Since I'm my own boss, the Chamber saved the cost of one meal. We were surprised, and some were horrified, to learn at that dinner, that we were the program. Each of us had to speak for a minute or two, at the podium, and introduce ourselves to the group. Who are we? What are we about?
Well, now it's the end of the year and for graduation Thursday we return to the Country Club for our graduation. With spouses. With bosses.
I adhere to the old adage, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." So I have wondered if we will once again be the program. Last night we worked at the local shelter and a graduate from last year's program helped us out.
"So," I asked her, "ARE we the program for graduation? We were for the opening; I have to wonder if we are, for graduation." She replied, "You're pretty smart."
I'm working on some words. Will post later.
If you are reading this and you are also involved in the program, please keep this under your hat. OK???