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Annie Baxter Award Missouri Southern News Bureau FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tom Simpson (417) 625-3112 E-Mail: News Bureau Voice: (417) 625.9506 FAX: (417) 625.3142 |
JOPLIN, MO (SNS) -Donna McQuay, mayor of Ozark, Mo., was presented the Annie Baxter Award in a luncheon ceremony held Wednesday, Oct. 10 in the Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern State College. Born in Kansas City and raised near Springfield, McQuay married her high school sweetheart, Cap McQuay. While Cap spent many days and nights away from home as a professional truck driver, Donna raised the couple's son, Lonnie. She also worked outside the home, refusing to let the grass grow under her feet. Donna McQuay began her life in public service in 1986 when she founded and published The Union Labor Reporter. The monthly newspaper was dedicated to labor union issues specific to the Southwest Missouri region. Because of her union ties, Donna holds the causes of the working men and women of America close to her heart. "We try to look at dedication to service when we select the recipient of this award," commented Mr. Tom Simpson, political science professor at Missouri Southern and a member of the selection committee. "Donna McQuay is the embodiment of an advocate for those she serves and a dedicated public servant. Her work deserves to be recognized." She has been on the Ozark Board of Aldermen for nearly a decade and, after serving as Mayor Pro-Tem for two terms, was elected the first female Mayor of Ozark in April, 2001. In addition to her civic duties, Donna is an active member of the Ozark Rotary Club and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce. She and Cap are members of the St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Ozark. Donna has made it a point to become acquainted with state politicians such as Christian County Speaker of the House Jim Kreider, State Senator Doyle Childers and Governor Bob Holden. She is not stranger to them and they know her as a friend and tenacious advocate of her county and towno who can bring attention to Ozark and Christian County. Ms. McQuay was presented a statuette of Annie Baxter. The statuette was created by Carthage artist Bill Snow. In 1890, Annie Baxter was elected Jasper County Clerk and became the first woman elected to a countywide public office in Missouri. The award was developed by the Social Sciences department at Missouri Southern and is made possible by the Helen S. Boylan Foundation. The Empire District Electric Company underwrote the award luncheon. 2001 Annie Baxter Award NomineesLinda Bartelsmeyer, Missouri State Representative Rayma Beckebrock-Davis, Lamar Democrat Editor Kathy Fairchild, Lawrence County Museum Chairperson Carol S. Hirsch, Pierce City Mayor Mary B. Jackson, Vice President of RepublicChamber of Commerce Julie Johnson, Pierce City, MO City Clerk Doris McBride, Executive Secretary, Mt. Vernon, MO Chamber of Commerce Vickie L. McCune, Cassville, MO City Clerk Donna McQuay, Mayor of Ozark, MO Gerry Pool, Chairman of Downtown Merchants' Association, Republic, MO Judy Willard, Ozarks Area Community Action of Lawrence County, MO Missouri Southern State College Annie Baxter Award RecipientsIn 1890, Annie Baxter was elected Jasper County Clerk and became the first woman elected to a countywide public office in Missouri. The award was developed in 1990 by the social sciences department at Missouri Southern State College and is made possible by the Helen S. Boylan Foundation. An award luncheon is underwritten by the Empire District Electric Co. (Positions noted reflect those held at the time the award was presented.)
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