When Roosevelt Thomas was recognized Tuesday for his contributions to Cass County, we were right there with all those celebrating him.

Too often when people plan how they will leave their mark on the world and be successful in their chosen career path, they decide they will need to leave the nest and plant their roots elsewhere.

Of course some career paths make it necessary to leave one’s hometown, and living in other places certainly broadens our outlook on life, but Roosevelt Thomas is an excellent example of what can happen when successful people choose to invest in their roots.

As Cass County Probate Court Judge Susan Dobrich said, it is important when people come back to the community they are raised in. These people are able to apply their expertise in a way that outsiders cannot, because they know the community from the inside.

When people return home to make their mark on the place they grew up, if done well, these people inspire the next generation of leaders, proving that someone in very similar circumstances was able to make something of themselves.

Thomas set this example, and then he took it one step further by not only by practicing law in Cass County, but by taking the time to directly invest in the next generation. When he was not practicing law, he was offering advocacy training: preparing other up-and-coming law enthusiasts for a future in the courtroom. This way, Thomas’ expertise and passion lives on through future attorneys and policymakers.

Roosevelt Thomas is a prime example of the stewardship and leadership it takes to move a community forward, while holding fast to the principles that have made it successful for decades. We applaud Cass County officials for celebrating this individual, and look forward to celebrating the mark he made on Cass County for years to come.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton, sports editor Scott Novak and reporter Adam Droscha.