Last Thursday, we walked into Mascoutah City Hall for what seemed like a simple site visit—and left with a deeper understanding of leadership, service, and responsibility.
We were welcomed with doughnuts and genuine hospitality, but what mattered most was what we learned once the conversations began. We saw firsthand that running a city is very much like running a business—one built on people, trust, communication, and countless decisions that impact an entire community.
We learned that leadership isn’t confined to an office or a schedule. It means being accessible, handling difficult conversations, balancing budgets, managing teams, and carrying responsibility even when no one is watching. We heard how thick skin, integrity, and surrounding yourself with quality people are essential when the work is challenging and the stakes are high.
Hearing from City Manager Cody Hawkins, we gained insight into the behind-the-scenes reality of city leadership—how departments work together, how major projects and finances are managed, and how communication is often the most important part of the job. We saw that leadership requires blending professional responsibility with personal life and staying committed to the community you serve.
We were equally impacted by hearing from Police Chief/Public Safety Director Scott Waldrup. Through their stories, we learned that public safety leadership is rooted in experience, teamwork, and a deep commitment to protecting others. We were reminded that strong leaders surround themselves with good people and lead with steadiness, humility, and service.
More than anything, this visit helped us understand that leadership is not about titles or recognition—it’s about responsibility, relationships, and showing up for others day after day.
We are incredibly grateful to Cody Hawkins, Scott Waldrup, and the entire Mascoutah City Hall team for investing in us, sharing their stories so openly, and giving us a meaningful glimpse into what servant leadership looks like in action. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact and help shape the kind of leaders we are becoming.
A few additional thank-yous are in order. A very special thank you to Mascoutah High School Principal Amy Kelly-Johnson for stepping in to lead our class that day, and to our students Alexus Zacheis and Taylor Cahill for taking such thoughtful, detailed notes while I was away—helping ensure this experience and its lessons could be shared so meaningfully. 💜