Missouri Gov. Mike Parson will join local leaders and Houston High School students on Monday for the Missouri Community Betterment 60th fall conference in Jefferson City.
Houston is among those vying for awards at the meeting, which will be held at Missouri Farm Bureau headquarters. Houston has been part of the competition for 43 years. The theme is “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.”
Several awards will be presented to youth, individuals, as well as communities. Houston will be represented by members of Community Betterment and Arts Council of Houston and its youth arm that includes high school students who undertake many community service projects.
A panel of judges earlier reviewed some of Houston’s top projects that occurred in the last year:
•Best 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 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.
•Y.O.U.T.H, Most Heartfelt: “Fostering with Faith” supplies program and best youth leadership, the community Easter Egg hunt, highlighted by sponsor Crystal Ford and Houston High School students.
