Mr. Basketball and ‘Sleepy’ Floyd speak to Kokomo Leadership Academy

Also, the Kokomo Lantern donates to Russiaville playground project

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Mr. Basketball and ‘Sleepy’ Floyd speak to Kokomo Leadership Academy

Kokomo High School’s Kokomo Leadership Academy’s inaugural Leadership Summit kicked off April 19 at Bible Baptist Church. Approximately 65 students listened to former KHS graduate and musician Richard “Sleepy” Floyd speak about his life and music, then went into breakout sessions aimed at giving the sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the group activities to build leadership skills at school, in their future business lives, and their communities.

Co-sponsored by KHS graduation facilitator Amy Roe and KHS Vice Principal Jason Spear, The Leadership Academy’s goal is to have older students mentor incoming freshmen and help them to transition to high school life. Spear noted that “KLA is completely student-led,” adding that the group has built a strong community that can mentor incoming students.

Roe mentioned that KLA students “represent, and embrace our diversity,” and that was a “true indicator of the impact KLA is making.”

After the breakout sessions, the group gathered in the church sanctuary to listen to David Magley, former NBA player, Indiana Mr. Basketball, and now president of The Basketball League, the organizing body that manages the Kokomo Bobkats.

Magley described his high school days and how he met his future wife, Evelyn, on a college visit to the University of Kansas.

Magley’s mother died of cancer while he was playing high school ball, and he noted that she was his biggest fan. Magley went on to win the Indiana Mr. Basketball title in his senior year, beating out Lewis Cass standout Ted Kitchel for the award.

Magley was drafted into the NBA, after attending and playing for the University of Kansas, by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After playing one season, Magley refused to go onto the injured reserve list and was cut from the team.

Eventually Magley ended up in various coaching positions, and he spent time as commissioner of the National Basketball League of Canada. He gives credit for his successes to his faith, his wife, and his family. Magley believes conflicts arise when people refuse to change plans when things don’t go their way.

“Communication is the antidote,” said Magley when speaking about both personal and leadership relationships. “I would rather be right and just say ‘yes dear’ than ruin a relationship by trying to prove it.”

Lantern donates to Russiaville playground project

The Town of Russiaville recently developed a plan to greatly enhance the Jeff Stout Community Center Park with an all-abilities inclusive playground and outdoor shelter. But it will need the community’s help to realize the dream.

The Kokomo Lantern agreed with this vision and mobilized in December 2022 to assist. With the help of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo, the Lantern and its subscribers raised $700 for the park project. Lantern publisher Patrick Munsey presented a check to the Town of Russiaville earlier this month.

“We believe in enhancing our community in any way possible,” said Munsey. “Part of the Kokomo Lantern’s mission is to ‘illuminate the good,’ and we felt this playground project fit with our vision.”

The playground would be situated in the greenspace between the Jeff Stout Community Center and the baseball and softball fields. Its addition would highlight the amenities already in place at the park, which features a horseshoe pitch, a Frisbee golf course, and a walking trail that winds around the perimeter of the park. And then there is the community center, which holds great potential.

The playground would include a play area and equipment for smaller children, ages 2-5, as well as an area for children ages 5-12. And all of it would be accessible for children with various disabilities. According to the quote the Russiaville Town Board received from PlayPros, the total cost of the playground is about $225,000.

That’s a bit out of the town’s price range, so Russiaville is looking to the larger community for help in reaching the goal.

People and businesses in the community can donate to the playground in various ways. The town is selling paver bricks that will be installed in the park to show donor support. And if people want to donate directly, they can do it through PayPal to the Town of Russiaville.

For more information about obtaining gift cards, purchasing a paver brick, or making any other donation, call the Russiaville Town Hall at 765-883-5775.