Finalists named for Freedom Torch Award

Sixteen were nominated, and eight made the final cut.

A selection committee of Sedalia Democrat associates has chosen the finalists for the 2009 Freedom Torch Award for community service. 

The award honors a person who has exhibited outstanding community service, particularly in ways that advance individual freedom and promote self-responsibility.

“The quality of nominees for this year’s award made it very difficult to select the top candidates, much less the winner,” Democrat Publisher Dave Phill ps said. “The selection committee had a lively discussion, but we all agreed that our overall winner truly deserves to be honored with the award this year.”

Nominations were collected from throughout the newspaper’s circulation area. Profiles of the nominees will appear in a special section March 1. The winner will be announced at a banquet March 7. 

This is the second year for the award. Last year’s winner was businessman Ron Ditzfeld. 

The 2009 nominees:

• Betty Blackwell is a volunteer for Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Auxiliary and an active member of First Christian Church, the Business and Professional Women’s organization, Helen G. Steele Music Club and Sedalia Symphony Society. She has served as past president and campaign chairwoman for the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way, and past president of the Salvation Army. Blackwell has been an administrative assistant to the superintendent of Sedalia schools, the Sedalia mayor and city administrator, and president of State Fair Community College. Blackwell “is one of the most caring, outstanding individuals in our community,” wrote Don Morton, who nominated Blackwell. 

• Max Coble volunteers with various organizations including Sacred Heart Prison Ministry, Angel Tree Ministries, Open Door, Sedalia Senior Center Services Board, Pettis County Jail visitor and Meals on Wheels. He is a member of the Pachyderm Club and Kiwanis Club. Coble received the John C. Ryan Award in 2008. Coble graduateD from Windsor High School and Central Missouri State University. Don Ditzfeld nominated Coble.

• Judy Haushahn has been selected as a finalist for the second time. Haushahn was among the final nominees in 2008, and was nominated by two people this year. She operates Seven Bells Sanctuary, where she rescues and finds homes for abandoned dogs and cats. Haushahnplaced more than 110 animals in homes last year. Andrea Richards, of Carrollton, submitted one of the nominations. She wrote: “Judy is making a tremendous impact on the stray animal population and disease control. Her actions are improving public health and safety in many communities.” Audra Koehn also nominated Haushahn. 

• Sue Heckart is well known in the community for her generous contributions to education, charities and her church. Heckart donated $2 million for a performing arts center in the new high school and $1 million to State Fair Community College for the Heckart Science and Allied Health Center. She also donates $75,000 each year to local charities during an annual memorial service. Heckart is a supporter of the Presbyterian Children’s Home and pays for the church’s radio broadcast. Leanna Horn nominated Heckart because she “has given time and money to our community.”

•Mary McLaughlin received two nominations for the Torch Award for community service. She is known as a great philanthropist and cheerleader for Sedalia. McLaughlin is active in Sedalia Downtown Development Inc. and supportive of the American Red Cross and Recovery Prison Ministries. She is a volunteer with RSVP. “Mary’s service goes far beyond what is known,” wrote nominator Sara Bass. “Mary McLaughlin is an outstanding citizen and one who truly believes in service to others.” Nominator Wanda Monsees wrote McLaughlin is a good person who “would be an excellent recipient of the Torch Award.”

• Carol McMillin helps make Christmas special for needy families and enriches the lives of Pettis County children through a week-long art camp. She has been the volunteer workshop organizer for toy collection and distribution for the Community Santa Campaign the past five years. More than 1,200 children were served by the campaign this year, and McMillin organizes, selects and packs the toys for each child. She works year-round to buy toys and accessories. McMillin has also been on the board of directors for Camp Blue Sky the past seven years. She helps select a theme, design the camp, hire faculty and plan for guest artists. McMillin is president of the Women’s Service League, which is dedicated to addressing the needs of women and children. “Our community is a better place for so many children thanks to the care and compassion of Carol McMillin,” wrote nominator Elle Wasson.

• Dennis Scholl volunteers through the Sunrise Optimist Club, Girl Scouts and MS150. He is most notable for his work with Boy Scouts Troop 61. Scholl has guided more than 38 scouts through to Eagle rank. “He reinforces at each meeting the individual freedom to chose their path/activity and guides them to self-responsibility and leadership skills,” wrote nominator Linda Hoffmann. “He’s a great mentor for the young men.”

• Betty Joe Wells, 87, has wrapped many in the community with love by way of a handmade quilt. Wells makes quilts and gives them to many organizations and individuals. She has given quilts to hospice patients and newborns. Wells also makes and gifts potholders. “I feel she has contributed much to the community with the work of her hands and does not let her handicaps stop her from this,” wrote nominator Mary Frances Herndon. “She is an inspiration to others her age who might feel they have nothing more to contribute to society.”