Leadership Institute
Kent Britten Memorial Leadership Award

2006 Kent Britten Leadership Award
Jan Stivers

The Kent Britten Leadership Award was presented to Jan Stivers of Norwalk on April 13, 2006. The award was given during the graduation ceremony for the 2006 Warren County Leadership Institute class. Jan Stivers was honored for the excellent qualities of leadership that she displays while serving Warren County. A donation was made in Ms. Stiver's name to the Warren County Fair.

Marjon Schaefer wrote the following in her nomination of Jan Stivers for the Kent Britten Leadership Award: “Have you ever stood at the curb for the Norwalk 4th of July Parade? Grooved to the dancing during the Talent Contest at the State Fair? Enjoyed a half-time show at a Norwalk Tigers basketball game? Chances are, then, that you've been entertained by the Superstars twirlers, dancers or tumblers; courtesy of Jan Stivers.

“Jan Stivers started tumbling, dancing and twirling her baton when she was three and has yet to stop with her hobby. In 1981 she started the Norwalk Superstars, and in 1997 she opened her first 'official' dance studio in Norwalk. Over the last 18 months, applying the strategies she gleaned at a studio-improvement seminar, Jan Stivers has built a Superstars empire, adding first a studio in Grimes and, just recently, a studio in Carlisle. She now has 1055 students whose trust she's earned and 25 dedicated employees who are enthusiastically involved in the growth, development and improvement of the Superstars.

Jan's zest for live and love for her craft becomes apparent when you see her at work in the studio. Her staff members enjoy equal positive benefits from Jan's infectious enthusiasm. Grounding the entire operation is Jan's mission statement: To teach all classes in a fun, safe, disciplined environment and to enhance each child's self-esteem. Jan's sound business decisions are beneficial not just to her students and staff but also to Warren County.”