Allen County is full of stars. Perhaps not of the Hollywood variety, or the influencer ilk either, thank goodness, with blue verified badges and constant pleas for attention.
Our luminaries are a more humble variety, but no less worthy of recognition. That was the mission of Thrive Allen County’s 18th annual awards celebration, held Friday evening at the Allen Community College gymnasium. Around 350 guests attended.
This year’s theme, “We are a sky full of stars,” brought much-deserved attention to those whose light, as Thrive’s chairman Brian Wolfe said, “makes Allen County a brighter place. Each of you make our county a place we are proud to call home.”
The evening’s biggest honor, the Donna Talkington Award, went to Janie Works of Humboldt. Humboldt city administrator Cole Herder, last year’s winner of the prestigious award, introduced Works.
“As the director of The Growing Place, she has nurtured not only children, but families, coworkers, and her community with patience, grace, and a steadfast commitment to excellence,” said Herder. “She leads with her servant heart — whether it’s lending a hand to a struggling parent; volunteering at community events; or ensuring that every child in her care feels safe, valued, and loved.”
Herder praised Works’s constant optimism and giving spirit, a sign of her always striving to make Allen County better. “This includes being involved in local initiatives like the Allen County Recycling program, as well as her leadership in establishing the Humboldt Promise Scholarship — which provides life-changing educational opportunities for local students.”
Husband Joe Works, in a video segment announcing the award, said Jane has a quote from the English novelist George Eliot taped to their bathroom mirror: “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?”
JOE HESS was recognized as the recipient of the Lifetime Service award. Hess died Oct. 29, just weeks before he could be presented with the award. Thrive’s CEO Lisse Regehr recalled Hess’s humility when announcing the award.
“Joe didn’t seek recognition. In fact, he’d probably be a little embarrassed that we’re talking about him tonight,” said Regehr. “But that’s exactly what made his service so special. He built up the people around him, and always focused on what would help others in the community rather than himself.”
As Regehr noted, Hess was a longtime volunteer at local prisons leading Bible study groups. Most recently, he was an essential part of Shop Thrifty’s growth in Iola.
Shop Thrifty volunteers Joyce Adair and Dimity Lowell accepted the award on Hess’s behalf.
Chelsea Lea was given the Volunteer of the Year award. Lea, owner of Miss Chelsea’s Dance Academy in Iola, was presented the award by her student Bethany Miller, a senior at Iola High School.
Miller noted Lea dedicates her time to Farm City Days, Rotary Club, and the installation of Christmas lights on Iola’s square.
“Her joyful spirit, reliability, and willingness to help wherever she is needed exemplifies the true heart of volunteerism,” said Miller. “Through her efforts, Chelsea has brought light, connection, and celebration to every corner of Allen County.”
Sophia Heim, a senior at Marmaton Valley High School, was awarded the Change-Maker of the Year.
The award, explained Heim’s classmate Emily Robertson, “is focused on the outstanding efforts and achievements of inspiring, young, rural change-makers from Allen County who drive positive change within their community.”
