Seated - Left to Right: Alease R. Bowles, Lisa E. Nordan-Haller, Ruth C. Wright, Donna Moffett Standing - Left to Right: Melinda K. Roark, Julian Coiner, Bianca M. Smith, John G. Allen, Diane M. Marsden, Stephanie A. Hodges, Sherwood "Duke" T. Brooks, Judy A. Plowman, Richard A. Troff, Jr., James H. Billingslea, Jr., Sandra L. Moreland, Kathleen A. Miller, Alan R. Ingraham, Robert R. Rossi, Thomas M. Stevens

Annapolis, MD (April 21, 2006) - - Eighteen graduates from the Maryland Association of REALTORS^® (MAR) Leadership Academy were honored at ceremonies held recently in Annapolis. Graduating from the sixth annual Leadership Academy are: John G. Allen, Largo; James H. Billingslea Jr., Westminster; Alease R. Bowles, Camp Springs; Sherwood T. Brooks, Ocean City; Julian Coiner, Ijamsville; Melinda Gossard, Hagerstown; Stephanie A. Hodges, Pasadena; Diane M. Marsden, Frederick; Kathleen A. Miller, Cumberland; Donna Moffett, Finksburg; Sandra L. Moreland, Frederick; Lisa E. Nordan-Haller, Frederick; Judy A. Plowman, Bel Air; Melinda K. Roark, Waldorf; Robert R. Rossi, North East; Bianca M. Smith, Columbia; Richard A. Trott Jr., Annapolis; Ruth C. Wright, Mitchellville.

The MAR Leadership Academy offers an intensive curriculum designed around the development of leadership skills, communications, strategic planning, legislative and government affairs and community involvement. Classes are conducted over 7 months and stress the value of professional and personal commitment to professional, charitable and civic endeavors.

"We congratulate you for demonstrating the courage and commitment to step out and be leaders both professionally and personally," said Al Ingraham, 2006 MAR President. "I look forward to your carrying the banner of leadership, energizing our Association and the communities in which you live and work," he added.

Thomas M. Stevens, a Virginia REALTOR^® and 2006 President of the National Association of REALTORS^®, addressed the graduates and guests. "Leadership is an action, not an experience. This Leadership Academy setting provides the environment to develop those 'ingredients,' for inspiring a successful and effective leader," he said. "The four main ingredients that epitomize a leader are knowledge, experience, inspiration, and setting an example for others." He encouraged the graduates "to paint the picture of what personal success means." He challenged the graduates to imagine what their success would look like, and advised that the 'how tos' would follow.

Graduate Sherwood "Duke" T. Brooks, Worchester County received the W.H.C. Wilson Memorial Scholarship, presented by MAR President-Elect Ilene S. Kessler. The scholarship recipient demonstrates a desire to lead and possesses integrity and a high ethical regard both professionally and through community involvement.