The 2012 participants of Leadership NORTH graduated Thursday night in a ceremony held at Fennwood Country Club.

Leadership NORTH is an annual leadership development program for the north Baton Rouge region hosted by the Zachary Chamber with assistance from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, LSU AgCenter and Dr. Bobby Soileau.

The program is designed to engage emerging leaders in the region and prepare them to meet the future needs of their communities. Participants are also exposed to challenges, opportunities and issues affecting their communities.

Participants meet for eight monthly sessions throuhout the year and have the full support of the organization or business they represent.

Leaders from the areas of Zachary, Baker, Central, East Feliciana, West Feliciana or Pointe Coupee are eligible to participate in the program.

Participants for 2013 have already been selected and will begin meeting in March.

Leadership NORTH 2012 participants receiving certificates of completion Thursday from Dr. Bobby Soileau and Kate MacArthur, Executive Director of Economic Development for Zachary, included Hugh Engels, Kenneth Mackie, Mark Martin, Stacy Gill, Steven David, LT Dupre, Travis Woodard, Ryan Vivian, Djoy Modica, Terrie Lundy, Mark Anderson, Mindy Head and Todd Payne.

Others who were part of the 2012 class, were not present for the ceremony.