Great Bend Tribune Celebrates Future Leaders at “20 Under 40” Event

The Great Bend Tribune hosted its fourth annual “20 Under 40” event on March 15, 2024, at the Crest Theater in Great Bend, recognizing outstanding young professionals dedicated to the community. The evening included a champagne and charcuterie reception, followed by presentations, photographs, and the awarding of “Silver Impact Awards” to senior volunteers from Barton and Pawnee County.

The “20 Under 40” program, established in 2022, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to shaping the future of Central Kansas. This year’s class features a diverse group, including entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders, reflecting the spirit of dedication and service that defines Great Bend. The Tribune aims to inspire future generations through this initiative, encouraging active involvement and a commitment to community improvement.

Honoring Community Champions

During the ceremony, each honoree was called to the stage by Tribune pressman Andrew Murphy, who shared their achievements through brief biographies. The honorees received a plate portrait crafted from the Tribune’s archives, serving as a lasting memento of their recognition.

The Silver Impact Awards were introduced to celebrate five exceptional senior volunteers who have dedicated decades to community service. These awardees shared personal stories that highlighted the importance of staying engaged and encouraging others to follow their lead.

Among the senior honorees was Sheryl Cheely, a long-time resident of Great Bend. Cheely has a rich history of community involvement, including revitalizing the local dragstrip in the 1970s and being a charter member of the My Town board. She emphasized the significance of service, stating, “I’ve found out that if you specifically ask a person to do something like ‘Could you bring a pie?’ that always helps.”

Another honoree, LaRae Cravens, who began her volunteer work with the Pink Ladies at St. Rose Hospital in the 1970s, reflected on her extensive involvement with local organizations, including her role as a Meals on Wheels delivery driver. “Give it out, and you’ll get it back,” she advised the younger generation.

Recognizing Lifelong Commitment

The event also featured Linda McCaffery, a former history instructor and current volunteer at the Barton County Historical Society and Museum. McCaffery urged attendees to document their stories, emphasizing that “nobody lives an ordinary life.”

Dan Sanneman, who has been active in volunteer work since moving to Larned over 40 years ago, encouraged the younger honorees to continue their efforts, stating, “We need young people to step up.”

The Smith couple, represented by their daughter Kelsey Sciacca, have dedicated over 40 years to community service through roles with the Barton County Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, exemplifying the spirit of collective effort.

Prior to the main event, the Tribune’s General Sales and Composing Manager, Dee Duryee, honored veteran employee Karma Byers with a surprise presentation for her over 50 years of service. Duryee praised Byers as “irreplaceable” and a crucial contributor to the Tribune’s legacy.

As the evening concluded, the celebration not only recognized individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of community involvement and the legacy of service that binds the Great Bend community together.