Amy Howe

The Jasper County Cemetery Preservation Society, led by volunteers like Rikki Smith, works to restore and protect nearly 130 historic cemeteries in Jasper County, Missouri, preserving local heritage and reuniting families with ancestral graves. Through hands-on restoration, community education, and partnerships, JCCPS ensures these sites remain respected landmarks and living links to the past.

River Blend Coffee in Pineville, Missouri, is a student-run coffee shop launched through a partnership between McDonald County High School and the local Chamber of Commerce, funded by a T-Mobile grant. The shop provides hands-on business and hospitality experience for students while serving as a vibrant community hub, strengthening local ties and inspiring future careers. Its success highlights the power of collaboration, with students, teachers, and community leaders working together to create lasting educational and economic impact.

HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill in Anderson, Missouri, is a family-run restaurant that has transformed the historic Shangri-La Motor Inn into a vibrant community hub. Through extensive restoration and a heartfelt tribute to family heritage, the Dawdy family created a welcoming space featuring quality design, creative cuisine by Chef Andre Jones, and a lively atmosphere overlooking Indian Creek. HoneyPop’s stands as both a symbol of local pride and a destination for memorable experiences, blending the spirit of the past with a fresh vision for the community’s future.

Neosho, Missouri’s extensive trail system, anchored by the High Ground Bike Preserve and Morse Park, offers a variety of outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities, from challenging mountain bike trails to ADA-accessible walking paths. Supported by community involvement and ongoing improvements, the trails serve as a hub for recreation, fitness, and social events, fostering a strong connection to nature and local traditions like trout season and disc golf.

Neosho author Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy has turned a lifelong passion for storytelling into a successful career, writing heartfelt novels that explore romance, family, and the challenges of ordinary people. With a disciplined approach and inspiration drawn from her own experiences, Murphy continues to adapt to the evolving publishing world, aiming to create stories that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact on her readers.

The Quapaw Nation is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 1824 treaty with the United States—a pivotal event that forced the tribe to cede ancestral lands but also marks two centuries of Quapaw resilience and survival. The original treaty will be publicly displayed, offering a chance to reflect on the tribe’s enduring strength, cultural preservation, and ongoing sovereignty, as the Quapaw continue to honor their heritage and look toward a thriving future.

OurVeteransFirst, founded by Michelle Lee in 2019, is a Joplin-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk and homeless veterans with financial aid, essential supplies, and personalized assistance—especially for those not served by the VA. The organization’s programs include emergency aid, a Backpack Program, and plans for a Veterans Village offering housing and holistic support. Through community partnerships and a new ADA-compliant office, OurVeteransFirst continues to restore hope and stability for local veterans, inviting volunteers and donors to join their mission.

Charlie 22 Outdoors’ Operation Roaring River event at Roaring River State Park offered veterans a healing retreat filled with outdoor activities, camaraderie, and spiritual support. With fishing, nature hikes, and moments of personal growth—including a veteran’s baptism and the presence of WWII and Korean War veterans—the event fostered connection, hope, and emotional healing, all made possible by strong community support and a mission to show veterans they are not alone.

Carl Junction High School FFA members, led by Myles Massey, launched the Feed Our Farmers initiative to deliver boxed meals and gratitude to local farmers, recognizing their vital but often underappreciated role in feeding the community. The project not only provided relief and appreciation to farmers facing tough challenges but also fostered connections and understanding between students and the agricultural community, with hopes to make it an annual tradition.