Sheriff gives tips to graduates of leadership program
Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
"Lead from the Front."
That was one piece of advice Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder handed down to Leadership University graduates Tuesday night. He served as keynote speaker during a dinner and commencement ceremony at Soul Restaurant in Fayetteville.
The event was hosted by a Level Up, a nonprofit organization in Springdale that provides leadership training and character enrichment.
"This semester we took a local focus on young men between the ages of 15 and 25," said Ron Harris, the group's founder. "It's been amazing how these young men have really rolled out. These guys are like my sons."
On Tuesday, Harris joined with friends, families and pastors to honor the three most recent Leadership University program graduates: Pedro Fimbres, Freddy Montoya and Freddy Diaz.
"This specific'mentoring the mentors' initiative was birthed out of our Leadership University program, which is designed to produce next-generation leaders," Harris said. "I have been doing this for three years - working with these specific young men. Some of them are former drug dealers and gang members. Our goal is that they would become productive citizens in their prospective communities in which they live."
Through mission trips, community service, conventions, meetings and more, Harris said Fimbres, Montoya and Diaz have accomplished the group's mission at becoming successful "men of integrity."
Fimbres owns a business, has been married for seven years and has three children. He is also a music writer and poet.
Montoya works in construction and spends time writing music. He's been married for eight years and is the father of three.
Diaz works as a real estate agent. He's been married for seven years and has two children.
"First off, I'd like to thank my wife," Fimbres said. "We've been through a lot together.
"Through this program, I've learned to do the right thing all the time. It has helped build my character to the point that I feel like a real man."
Helder spoke to graduates and their families Tuesday night about the keys to success. He encouraged attendees to not only develop a strong work ethic, but also to maintain a strong personal life by putting family first. He also emphasized the importance of knowing right from wrong.
"You have to learn how to do the right thing all the time," Helder said. "Not just when people are watching."
He went on to highlight the importance treating people fairly, having a good attitude at work and developing a strong spiritual and educational background. Helder closed by urging people to recognize their passion and to act upon it.
"You have to recognize what you want, prepare for it and put together a plan," he said. "If you don't love what you do, go do something else. So often we get caught up in doing something because we feel like we have to. You owe yourself more. Lead from the front. Be a worker who's not ashamed of what you do. It takes a great deal of discipline."
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