South KC Perspective
Nominations for community recognition awards now open
By John Sharp
Nominations are now open for the third annual South Kansas City Alliance (SKCA) awards program that recognizes neighborhood volunteers, public employees and businesses that have gone above and beyond their expected roles to improve south Kansas City.
The nomination deadline is Sunday, July 22, and awards will be presented in nine categories at a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, August 23, at the Avila University Athletic Pavilion.
The Alvin Brooks Lifetime Service Award named for the former KCMO mayor pro tem will be presented to an individual who has provided a lifetime of service to improving south Kansas City or to a south Kansas City resident who has provided similar service to the entire city or metropolitan area.
The Judy Swope Good Neighbor Award named for the late former City Council member and neighborhood leader will be given to a person who has provided a high level of service to his or her south Kansas City neighborhood over an extended period.
Other awards include:
Outstanding Neighborhood Organization – Given to a neighborhood organization or homes association that has not only provided a high level of service to its residents but also has contributed to improving South Kansas City over an extended period.
Outstanding Community Service – Given to an individual who has provided leadership in the public, private or non-profit sector to improve south Kansas City.
Outstanding Government Service – Given to an individual who has excelled in his or her position with a federal, state or local government agency to improve south Kansas City.
Outstanding Public Safety Service – Given to an individual who has gone beyond the duties of his or her position to make south Kansas City a safer community or who has performed lifesaving service or an act of heroism.
Outstanding Educational Achievement Program – Given to an educational program that has achieved exceptional results in improving student motivation and achievement.
Good Corporate Citizenship – Given to a company that has demonstrated good corporate citizenship by giving back to the south Kansas City community beyond just creating jobs and investing in our community.
Outstanding Young Achiever – Given to a student or young adult who has provided outstanding community service to improve south Kansas City or to a South Kansas City student or young adult who has provided similar service to the entire city or metropolitan area.
I chair the SKCA Awards Committee, and nominations including a brief description of why the person or organization should receive the award may be mailed to me at 8401 E. 103rd Terrace, KCMO 64134 or emailed to jsharp122@hotmail.com.
Tickets for the awards breakfast are $25, and tables for eight are just $180. Checks to SKCA can be mailed with the names of attendees to SKCA treasurer Deborah Washam at 9409 Grandview Rd., KCMO 64l32.