The annual Thrive Allen County dinner and awards banquet was held on November 20th in Iola, Kansas. The event is an opportunity to share the great work of our county, and to honor people who’ve made a positive difference in our communities.
Award for Excellence in Recreation: Farm-City Days Committee
Given in recognition of the outstanding effort to breathe new life into the Farm-City Days celebration in 2015. This collaboration involving everyday people who “stepped to the plate” to ensure this community tradition would not only continue, but be bigger and better than ever, reflects a can-do spirit and demonstrates yet again what people can accomplish when they work together. Striving to always do bigger and better things–and to do them collaboratively–represents the spirit that Thrive works to foster throughout Allen County.
Award for Excellence in Education: Rotary Clothes Closet
Given in recognition of the Iola Rotary Club’s leadership and hard work to ensure that all children in USD 256, 257 and 258 have access to suitable clothing regardless of their personal circumstances. This cooperative project has helped give kids the basic essentials they need to learn and feel comfortable—warm, clean, attractive clothing—and in doing so helps ensure that all have a fighting chance to achieve their full academic and personal potential. This creative countywide effort represents the spirit of support for youth that Thrive works to foster throughout Allen County.
Award for Excellence in Health and Wellness: State Street Sidewalk Project
Given in recognition of the City of Iola’s construction of a 4,000 foot sidewalk to allow residents to safely walk or bicycle from the core of Iola to its northern commercial district. This project was initiated under the leadership of the Iola City Council and built by Iola’s Street and Alley Department, and it has meaningfully improved the built environment in the community, particularly for low-income residents, children and people seeking more active means of transportation. The effort reflects a willingness to go above and beyond in the quest to make Allen County the healthiest rural county in Kansas and reflects a can-do attitude that we hope others will emulate.
Donna Talkington Award: Humboldt’s “Hometown Teams” Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit
“Hometown Teams” is a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit that celebrates how sports contribute to molding the nation’s character and reflect the trials and triumphs of the American experience. The selection of Humboldt, Kansas as one of six communities in the state to host this exhibit is once again proof of that community’s creativity and commitment to excellence. Led by the Humboldt Historic Preservation Alliance’s Jan Coykendall, this effort has involved numerous partners and has reflected Humboldt’s commitment to history, education, health, and — most appropriately — what the “hometown team” can accomplish when it sets a goal. Allen County as a whole has once again benefited from Humboldt’s drive and determination to do things that would seem out of reach to towns ten times the size of this small but mighty community. Accordingly, we present Thrive’s highest award to Humboldt’s Smithsonian Hometown Teams exhibit, which represents the positive and determined legacy of the late Donna Talkington.
