LKQ Corporation, in partnership with Shwab Elementary School of Nashville, Tenn., has formally dedicated the Leonard “Lenny” A. Damron LKQ Leadership Institute. The new initiative aims to nurture and develop the leadership skills of the children at Shwab Elementary School to foster their personal growth and help them become future leaders.
A dedication ceremony and reception recently took place at Shwab, where a number of local officials were on hand as LKQ unveiled a new sign for the school.
"While obtaining the necessary approvals to develop an LKQ self-service facility in Nashville, our team spent countless hours discussing our plans with nearby businesses and neighborhood residents," said Eileen A. Sottile, vice president of LKQ Government Affairs. "During that time, we discovered that Shwab Elementary faces tremendous challenges in serving this community. We wanted to help the children in any way we could, so we began working with Shwab’s outstanding principal Dr. Natalyn Gibbs to explore the best ways to partner.”
Currently serving approximately 400 children, Shwab Elementary is located in one of the lowest income districts in Nashville. Approximately 99 percent of its students qualify for the free lunch program.
The new Leadership Institute at Shwab Elementary is named in honor of LKQ Vice President Lenny Damron, who recently passed away. “Lenny was an exceptional leader and mentor who had a special place in his heart for children,” said LKQ Corporation President and CEO Robert L. Wagman. “It is a fitting tribute to Lenny, and his legacy, that LKQ is able to help contribute to the personal growth of these deserving children. We also look forward to providing local job opportunities in Nashville when our new self-service facility opens in the coming months.”
The Leonard “Lenny” A. Damron LKQ Leadership Institute’s official launch was attended by a number of distinguished local officials. During the dedication ceremony, LKQ unveiled a new sign that it donated to the school bearing the name of the Institute. Several Shwab students participated in the program, which provided an overview of the project’s beginning and recognized the Damron family members in attendance. A reception was then held in the school cafeteria.
“This was an exciting day for Shwab Elementary’s leadership team and the children,” said Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, principal of Shwab Elementary School. “Making a difference in these young students’ lives is part of our ongoing pursuit of excellence at the school. We expect that the months and years to come will bring great things from our partnership with LKQ.”
Following the formal ceremony, Wagman briefly addressed the students on the topic of leadership.
A half-day Leadership Academy was also held for the school’s children on Saturday, May 11. The workshop featured guest speakers and examined their effective leadership skills. A similar program will be held this fall.
LKQ Corporation and Shwab Elementary are also partnering to provide support to the children through the following programs:
- Lenny’s Closet: an ongoing clothing drive to help address seasonal clothing needs
- Lenny’s Pantry: a continuing collection of non-perishable snacks for the children
- Lenny’s Christmas Party: a holiday party for the students of Shwab Elementary
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