The South Carolina Bar is proud to announce the graduation of ten participants from the 2025 Leadership Academy class.
This year’s graduating class includes: Kelsey Davis, Jacob Godwin (who participated in the program but was not in attendance), Savannah Hurteau, Jonathan E.B. Lewis, Shanon Peake, Nina Cano, Kathryn "Katie" Tanner, Mark Watkins, Lauren Barnes Williams, and Shinead James Cotton.
Shanon Peake, chosen as class speaker by her fellow participants, delivered heartfelt remarks about each of her classmates, highlighting how their unique strengths, passions and character inspired her to become a better leader. Her speech captured the spirit of camaraderie and growth that defined the cohort’s journey together.
SC Bar President Chris Koon also addressed the graduates, underscoring the importance of active participation and leadership within the Bar and the legal community. The keynote address was delivered by retired Justice Kaye Hearn who encouraged the class to embrace leadership, humility, service and purpose.
Congratulations to the 2025 Leadership Academy class on a milestone achievement in their careers and for their commitment to leading the legal profession forward.
To view photos from the Leadership Academy graduation, click here.
