SERVE Center Honors Kirksville R-III School District as Community Partner of the Year

The Kirksville R-III School District received the “Community Partner of the Year” award and was recognized at the Community Partner Appreciation Luncheon, Sept. 30.

The Community Partner of the Year award is given by the SERVE Center to an outstanding community member or agency that has worked closely with the University to promote public scholarship amongst Truman students.

The Kirksville R-III School District was nominated by Sally Cook, associate professor of linguistics, for its service partnership with the University over the last nine years. Cook has worked with Cathy Kelly, the ESL specialist for Kirksville R-III, to provide positive learning opportunities for Truman students outside of a traditional classroom experience. The program pairs Truman students with non-native speakers who need additional English tutoring.

Other nominations include the LIFE Ability Center, the Adair County Family YMCA, Heartland Task Force C-2000 Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, the Northeast Missouri Association for Citizens with Disabilities (NACD) and the Green Thumb Project.

The LIFE Ability Center was nominated by student Katie Shields and the Disabilities Studies Committee. The center provides resources and a comfortable environment for people with developmental delays. Activities and classes encourage independence, self-esteem and a sense of community.

The Adair County Family YMCA was nominated by student Trevor Wood. The YMCA partners with service organizations on campus to promote and facilitate youth development programs. These programs enrich the lives of Kirksville’s youth and instill positive lifelong values.

On behalf of Eta Sigma Gamma, Kaitlyn McManus nominated the Heartland Task Force C-2000 Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. Eta Sigma Gamma, exercise science classes and Cardinal Key have worked with the Heartland Task Force for more than 15 years as partners in substance abuse prevention education and positive youth development programs.

Sigma Tau Gamma nominated the NACD. The locally operated, non-profit organization provides services and equipment to local, handicapped citizens. They have specifically supported Sigma Tau Gamma’s philanthropy events, as well as other charitable organizations.

The Green Thumb project was nominated by Liza Mann and Aly Duvall. The project was founded in 2011 by two women to expand the impact of sustainability education. They provide educational resources to community members, offer access to affordable local food movements and create community gardens.

For more information on the Community Partner Award, visit serve.truman.edu/community-partner-award-nomination/.