Sara Wilson, '10

For the Hancock Leadership class of 2010, nine months of the year are dedicated to volunteerism, leadership and involvement in the community.

For Sara Wilson, senior business management and marketing major, nine months of this year will serve as an opportunity that will shape her future in more ways than one.

Hancock Leadership is a nationally recognized nine-month seminar program sponsored by GreaterFindlayInc. and designed to foster and promote volunteer leadership resources within the community.

Wilson is the only student representative from The University of Findlay to participate in the class and is qualified because of her internship with GreaterFindlayInc.

“I have learned so much about the Findlay community and how involved other Hancock Leadership members are with volunteer projects and community activities,” said Wilson. “I want to volunteer much more throughout the Findlay community, because I see how important those efforts are.”

Each year, the class chooses a service project called the class legacy project. Last year’s class chose to partner with Hancock Agency on Aging, while previous classes have worked with other Findlay organizations including Special Kids Therapy, an organization that provides services to special needs children and their families. This year’s Hancock Leadership class has decided to work with Habitat for Humanity.

“We have several fundraisers that I have been a part of, including a coat check during the Christmas season and an upcoming Comedy Night at the Agency on Aging,” said Sara.

Along with dedicating time to the class legacy project, the class meets once a month to participate in a full-day session at various locations throughout Hancock County including the courthouse, county jail, local farms, factories and more.

“We had a retreat at Camp Glen where we participated in team-building activities, and we created a poster that described who we are and what we consider important characteristics in a leader. We were also fortunate enough to spend the day visiting family farms, dairies and other agricultural businesses throughout the Findlay area,” said Wilson.

Wilson feels the class will be beneficial to her future and her career.

“I feel being part of the program will differentiate me from other employees,” said Wilson. “I've learned through several presentations how to become a better leader, and eventually a better manager for my future business ventures. I am honored to be a part of such a great organization.”