Leadership

Regarding “Runners ‘taking that extra step’ (Page A1, Jan. 16), it was heartwarming to remind Houstonians about the kindness and love shown by Greig Placette in mentoring Jonathan Ochoa beginning in 2008, and then Ochoa’s paying that forward after Greig’s unfortunate murder in 2013 while shielding kids from danger during a violent robbery.

I would like to add to Greig’s story because it did not start in 2008; rather, Greig was one of the first 100 Houstonians chosen to participate in then a newly formed Leadership Houston program in the early 1980s. He was a graduate of Class III, along with classmates Ellen Cohen, Mary Gibbs, David Hightower, Robin Reed, Margaret Skidmore, Bubba Thomas, Beth Wolff and Martha Wong among many others — all notable Houstonians.

Greig epitomized the values of Leadership Houston and its emphasis on community-building by graduates and providing that helping hand to others in our diverse community. While Greig is no longer physically present, his spirit of service to others lives on in Jonathan Ochoa, and that is a wonderful legacy indeed for him, his family and friends and for his fellow graduates of Leadership Houston.

Richard L. Jennings, Houston, former chairman, Leadership Houston