Franklin County Schools’ L.A.S.E.R. program—which stands for Leadership, Accountability, Service, Engagement, and Readiness—continues to open doors for students to connect with community leaders and gain real-world insights into leadership and civic engagement.
Recently, Western Hills' Alleigh Manning stood out as the only student representative to attend a meeting alongside Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tish Shade. The meeting introduced Alleigh to the mission and vision of DIG Frankfort (Development Interest Group), an organization dedicated to promoting strategic growth and community development in Frankfort and Franklin County.
DIG Frankfort’s Mission
DIG Frankfort works to educate, support, and promote pro-growth initiatives that strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life. Its efforts include:
Supporting projects that encourage sustainable development and business growth
Educating the public and elected officials about the benefits of growth
Promoting cooperation among businesses, civic leaders, and residents
Expanding recreational opportunities and community solutions
Identifying and supporting pro-growth candidates for local leadership roles
A Unique Opportunity for Alleigh
As the sole student in attendance, Alleigh had the rare opportunity to engage directly with community leaders and gain firsthand knowledge of how organizations like DIG Frankfort shape the future of the city. This experience reflects the LASER program’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles by connecting them with real-world examples of accountability, service, and readiness.
Looking Ahead
Alleigh’s participation demonstrates the impact of the LASER program in cultivating student leaders who are ready to contribute to their communities. By learning from leaders like Tish Shad and organizations like DIG Frankfort, Alleigh is building a foundation for her own leadership journey—one that will benefit both her peers and the wider Franklin County community.
We are very proud of the work being done by our students in the LASER program.