NATCHEZ — Recreation was the word for the 2010 class of Leadership Natchez, which graduated Thursday after a successful year.

“When I saw you work together, and saw your vision for this city, I knew we would have a successful class,” said Abby Shields, who was the trainer for the retreat that marks the beginning for the Leadership Natchez Class.

Shields said the class possessed two qualities that separated them from classes she has worked with over the past seven years — the ability to make decisions quickly and focus.

“You are able to focus, and are able to make quick decisions that will make a difference,” Shields said. “You worked together to achieve in Natchez what you could not have achieved alone.”

Class Chairman Tate Hobdy said the group had worked well together in ironing out and executing its two goals, both of which involved recreation.

By the end of the two-and-a-half-day retreat at Monmonth Plantation, the group had decided to push for a “yes” vote on the new recreation facility, which succeeded by an 80 percent margin.

The group also raised more than $2,000 for the Guardian Shelter with a kickball tournament.

While not focusing on projects, Hobdy said the group had a fun time and learned about Natchez.

“In the meantime, we saw things we took for granted. We went on a carriage tour. I haven’t done that since I was little,” Hobdy said. “We also got to go and see the things that there are to do in Natchez.”

The group also toured Historic Jefferson College, the nearby state parks, the Adams County Correctional Facility, and the Natchez Children’s Home.

Leadership Natchez members are nominated and sponsored by their employers. The 2010 Leadership Class included:

Deanna Bowser — Britton & Koontz Bank

Scott Christian — Gillon Group, PLLC

Jerome Curro — Farm Bureau

Will Devening — Regions Bank

Rusty Eldridge — Silas Simmons

Brian Fisher — Concordia Bank

Kelin Hendricks — Paul Green Realtors

Tate Hobdy — Stephens and Hobdy Insurance

Forrest Johnson — Morgan Keegan

Lana Morgan — Natchez Regional Medical Center

Ryan Richardson — The Natchez Democrat

Walter Roddy — Natchez Regional Medical Center

Sara Smith — Promise Hospital

David Thomas — Britton & Koontz Bank