The HomeTown Leadership Institute Class X will meet for the last time this month. They'll end on a high note, one of the most popular sessions: Agriculture in Holt County. Before they wrap up and graduate, we want to learn a little more about some of our current participants.

This month we were able to hear Amanda Greger's thoughts on HLI. Amanda has been employed at the Holt County Independent in O'Neill as a Staff Writer and Photographer for the last year and a half.

What are Amanda's thoughts on HLI so far? She mentioned she has met a lot of interesting people from all over the county. She said it is interesting to brainstorm with individuals from different areas and learn about their communities' strengths and weaknesses. She thinks sometimes we get focused on our own community and forget about the other seven across the county. 

For someone who is always covering exciting news in Holt County, why did she want to participate in HLI? Amanda moved back to Atkinson approximately five years ago; a lot had changed since she was in high school. After joining the Independent staff, she wanted to learn as much about the area as possible, so she could better inform her readers. She said she's seen a lot of growth throughout the county, and she's excited to see people her age coming back to the area and being instrumental in their communities. Amanda is one of those individuals. Since moving back, she has been involved with the Atkinson Community Foundation Fund, and she is currently undergoing training to become a Holt County TeamMates mentor.

So far, Amanda has enjoyed the "Learning in Holt County" session. One of the speakers, Katie Morrow, Technology Coordinator at O'Neill Public Schools, showed the class innovative ways to use technology for learning. She also really enjoyed the "Dream Manager" session. During the class, the group utilized Gallup's StrengthsFinder survey to determine their top strengths and themes. They then discussed personal, business and community dreams.

Lastly, what's this "Live, Learn, Return" success story's favorite thing about being back in Holt County? Amanda said, "I am really happy that I relocated back to my hometown, Atkinson. My children are able to enjoy being taught by some of the same teachers I had in high school. When my daughter Erin was still in high school, Mr. Kliewer commented that she was his first third-generation student. There is such great community spirit: when someone is in need, the community rallies together through fundraisers, benefits, auctions and more. I love being part of such a great community."

Amanda's parents are Dan and Joan Greger of Stuart, and her family includes her two children, Erin and Kevin Patton; her boyfriend, Don Sindelar, and his children, Anthony, Ashley and Alyssa Sindelar.