http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/localfound_5690.mp3
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is honoring two brothers for their commitment to education and healthcare in the community. KSMU’s Chasity Mayes has more.
Dusty Shaw, Jr. and William Shaw are the 2009 Humanitarians of the Year.
The purpose of the award is to showcase individuals in the community who have gone above and beyond, experiencing personal sacrifices of time and resources to help others. Nominations are given yearly to a selection committee made up of community leaders who help select the winner.
The Shaw brothers live in Thomasville, Missouri a small town east of West Plains. They’ve been involved in the renovation and resurrection of the abandoned school there. They took it upon themselves to transform it into a community center that houses the public library, a museum and community meeting rooms.
Both brothers also are very dedicated to education in the Ozarks. Two scholarships in their parents’ names have been established at Missouri State University-West Plains where 22 students have already benefited.
Dusty Shaw says that he has been encouraged to give back to the community all his life.
Winners of the award always receive $3,000 as well as a crystal trophy. The Shaws have already donated their cash prize to the Ozarks Medical Center.
For KSMU News, I’m Chasity Mayes.