Each Friday, The Gazette salutes those who make Emporia and the surrounding area a better place to live and work. Give these folks a pat on the back ...
EMPORIA High School students Jodie Hollern, Taylor Surmeier and Derek Rhoades, who received first place in video production at the Kansas Student Technology Leaders Conference.
• Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity brothers Jonathan Lofgren, Matt Nordquist, Dylan Richardson and Adam Schuetz, who are deploying together to Iraq.
• The Spring Homes Tour on Sunday, which will donate the proceeds to Hand in Hand Hospice.
• The Emporia State University softball team, which beat Fort Hays State to earn the MIAA softball title for a third year in a row.
• Red Line Trucking, which was honored by Kansas Motor Carrier Association for its safety on the highway.
• Harry Waters, who has served on the Emporia Recreation Commission for 47 years.
• Northern Heights students Travis Bohs, Matt Gutierrez, J.W. Roeder, Sarah Boline, Michael Glass, and Jessica Dhority, who will compete in the Future Business Leaders of America nationals and Dawn Hinson, who will compete in the Family Career Community Leaders of America nationals.
• Hi-Noon Kiwanis, which gave a $1,000 check to Peter Pan Park playground project.
• Jeff Wolfe, who won a new car at the Renaissance program at the Emporia High School. The car was donated by Longbine Auto Plaza, Emporia Motors and John North Ford.
• Madison High School students Bridget Mitchell and Jordan Stout, who were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the year.
• ESU athletes Samantha Sheeley and Andy Vogelsberg, who were named MIAA players of the week.
• Kathleen Inwood, who received the 2007 Liberty Bell Award from the Chase-Lyon County Bar Association. She received the award for her work empowering children.