Houston swept several categories Monday in the state’s annual Missouri Community Betterment Contest in Jefferson City.
Local community leaders and Houston youth received many awards during the organization’s 60th fall conference. The program, which aims to inspire civic pride, pits Missouri communities of similar size in a contest highlighting town achievements in 2023. A Houston portfolio was submitted earlier, and a panel of judges also conducted an interview for about two hours.
Houston has a 43-year history in the program, and has captured the grand prize three times; previously in 2004, 2017 and 2020.
Houston took first place in these categories:
•Most Engaged, “The Imagination Library,” Ann Tottingham. The program started in 2009 in Houston after its launch in Tennessee by entertainer Dolly Parton. This year, the program is available throughout Missouri following a state appropriation. The late Charlie McKinney spearheaded efforts locally when it started.
•Best Use of Volunteers, “Fantastic Reasons to Walk and Ride,” Kay Jordan, who described a bicycle safety program for kindergarten students.
•Best Project on a Budget, “Fostering with Faith,” Jim McNiell, who highlighted a volunteer effort to turn space into a program that helps foster children in downtown Houston.
•Best Use of Community Assets, Houston Community Foundation, McNiell, who spoke on the work of the organization to better Houston.
•Most Heartfelt, construction of a new 7,200 square foot library in Houston, Brad Gentry and Janet Fraley.
“A huge thank you to everyone involved in these projects! Your hard work and dedication truly make our community shine. Let’s keep the momentum going,” Houston Community Betterment and Arts Council said in a release Monday night.
Community Betterment and Arts Council Council of Houston Y.O.U.T.H. also took several awards under the leadership of sponsor Crystal Ford:
•Best Youth Led: Easter egg hunt.
•Most Heartful: Fostering by Faith supplies program.
•J.C. Smith Youth Group of the Year that carries a $200 prize.
Each student also received a 2024 uncirculated quarter to commemorate the event.
