Amy Howe

At just five years old, Carl Junction’s Cyrus Erie is training for his first 5k alongside his dad—turning runs into adventures, setbacks into resilience, and every finish line into a celebration of grit, joy, and family.

With a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, special education teacher Rylee Crain transformed an unused office at Park Elementary in Columbus into a sensory room. This new space provides all students with essential tools for emotional regulation, leading to a significant decrease in behavioral issues and an increase in their readiness to learn.

Will Jewett, a performer from Pittsburg, Kansas, has achieved his dream of joining the North American tour of Hamilton, playing Charles Lee and understudying King George III. From discovering dance at age 11 to earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State, Will’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of storytelling. With experience in productions like Back to the Future: The Musical and the Mean Girls movie, he balances the excitement of live theater with his small-town roots, inspiring others to chase their dreams and "fail forward."

In 2011, a single email from 13-year-old weather enthusiast Chad Crilley to Joplin meteorologist Doug Heady sparked a mentorship that shaped Chad’s career. Visiting Joplin on May 22, the day of the devastating EF-5 tornado, solidified Chad’s purpose: to protect lives through meteorology. Over the years, Doug guided Chad’s journey, from high school to becoming a chief meteorologist and now an independent broadcaster. Their bond, born from a shared passion for weather, highlights the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of a single connection.

Kristin and Bryce Robertson's Centennial Roots Homestead, built on ancestral land, revives traditional skills through hands-on workshops and connects people to their food's origins. Their new Gardens project further fosters community and learning about edible and medicinal plants, honoring family legacy while cultivating a conscious new generation.

Cohn’s Café in Fort Scott, Kansas, is a historic gem blending community, quality, and local craftsmanship. Owned by Tracy and Kathy Dancer, the café offers fresh, locally sourced meals, a Roaring Twenties atmosphere, and unique experiences like The Green Lantern Speakeasy. Housed in the restored Scottish Rite Temple, the space also features a Mercantile and Market with Kansas-made goods. With plans for a distillery and seasonal dinner menus, Cohn’s Café continues to honor the past while shaping the future of Fort Scott’s downtown.

The Boutique Marketplace in Nevada, Missouri, is more than a store—it’s a community where faith, fashion, and connection come together. Owner Stephanie Mosher combines a boutique of hand-selected items with a consignment space, supporting local dreamers and offering a welcoming environment. With initiatives like free cross bracelets, a quiet “Room for You,” and a focus on love and faith, Stephanie has created a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and at home.

The Annual Cutest Baby Contest showcases adorable local children, with all proceeds from entries benefiting the community's Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. This year's first-place winner is 9-month-old Ellis Belcher, recognized for his bright blue eyes, followed by happy 11-month-old Amarie Washington in second, and energetic 1-year-old Carson Harris in third. Seven-month-old Easton Hamilton, known for his smiles and love for the outdoors, was chosen as the Facebook Fan Favorite.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), based in Rogers, Arkansas, empowers veterans and first responders through innovative programs at Heroes Ranch in Jane, Missouri. Their initiatives include outdoor adventures, the Warrior PATHH program for post-traumatic growth, and disaster response missions, all designed to restore purpose and camaraderie. With a focus on action and community, SDIA helps America’s heroes heal and thrive beyond their service.