Eastern Leaders Academy Graduates 3rd Cohort of Leaders

Eastern Leaders Academy wrapped up the 2025-26 year with its final experience day, centered on arts, culture and belonging, followed by a graduation ceremony in the evening to honor the program’s newest graduates.

The day began with several local experiences exploring the region’s history and culture. Participants visited the Historic Coke Ovens, an attraction that honors the mining history of Carbon County. They also hiked the Buried Forest Concretions Trail, a trail leading to a hillside with large circular formations that resemble cross sections of trees, formed by mineral deposits in the rock. These experiences encouraged participants to reflect on the people, industries and cultures that have shaped the region over time.

Throughout the day, the academy also heard from a variety of local artists who shared insights into the complexities of the art community in Helper, Utah. They spoke about the challenges and rewards of working as artists in the area, as well as the personal stories that led them to pursue art in Carbon County.

The academy reconvened in the evening for graduation, where the 14 participants walked across the stage to mark the completion of the nine-month leadership development program. Graduates were joined by board members, champions and previous program participants as they celebrated both the newest graduates and the continued impact of the program.

The evening emphasized gratitude for the experience and the year as a whole. While this year’s cohort had come to a close, graduates were encouraged to carry the lessons forward and apply them in their personal and professional lives to continue contributing to the growth of Carbon and Emery counties.

“The lessons I’ve learned here are things I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” said ELA graduate Ashley Vincent, “and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this program.”

The ceremony included reflections from graduates on their experience in the program, highlighting both the growth and lasting connections made over the past nine months.

“I feel incredibly grateful; grateful for the opportunities, the lessons, the friendship, the mentors and the growth,” said graduate Kenzie Burnett. “The relationships built and lessons learned over these last nine months will stay with me for years to come.”