Chocolate, Community, and Closing Out LGT

Selfie Before Event

This past Friday, I finished the last class for Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT). Throughout the day, we spent time downtown at the Greater Topeka Partnership, where we had closing discussions to wrap up the class.

That is the Owner in Front

We had one final project in which each of our core groups was given $40 to use however we wanted to give back to the community. Several groups pooled our money and went to Hazel Hill Chocolate to purchase chocolate and suckers. The owner, a former LGT alum, generously donated an additional four boxes to our effort. In total, we had over $1,000 worth of chocolate to help make Friday a little brighter for members of the community.

The four groups, consisting of 24 people, split up and headed in different directions downtown to hand out the candy. One group went to Washburn University, another to NOTO, and two groups covered different areas downtown. I was part of one of the downtown groups, and we focused on the area around the Capitol, specifically seeking out construction workers, police officers, and people walking nearby. We had written notes of encouragement to accompany the candy as we handed it out. It was a truly rewarding experience. People were hesitant at first, but once we explained the purpose and offered free candy, they were happy to accept it. One construction worker was especially excited to receive a sucker on a hot day while working outside.

I really enjoyed this experience and the opportunity to give something simple back to our community. There were no strings attached, just a small gesture paired with a kind message. It may have been my favorite activity of the entire LGT program. When we returned to the office and shared our experiences, that sentiment was echoed across the groups. Everyone found the experience meaningful and rewarding.

LGT Core Group.
Front row: Jenae and Maggy.
Back row: John, Lauren, Alicia, and Ben

That evening, we attended the Bollywood Nights graduation for the Leadership Greater Topeka class. It was a fun night to celebrate and connect with past graduates of the program, as well as spend time together as a class. The event was held at Prairie Band Casino and featured a Bollywood theme, complete with food and dancing before the graduation ceremony, which concluded the evening.

LGT has been a truly rewarding experience. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the connections I made with the 35 members of the Class of 2026. I look forward to staying in touch with them in the years ahead, especially my core group.