Another inspiring national conference is in the books and of course Mississippi took home a great amount of awards including the most KAB President's Circle Award Winners than any other state!
This year we had representation from Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Keep Copiah County Beautiful, Keep the Rez Beautiful, Keep Pearl Beautiful, Keep Canton Beautiful, Keep Starkville Beautiful, Keep Ridgeland Beautiful, Keep Simpson County Beautiful, Keep Pike County Beautiful, Keep Tupelo Beautiful, Keep Harrison County Beautiful, Keep Natchez-Adams County Beautiful, and Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Keep America Beautiful Award Winners:
SUE SMITH PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD, for building and sustaining an exceptional affiliate.
Jeannine May, Keep the Rez Beautiful
Jeannine serves as the Affiliate Director of Keep the Rez Beautiful, known for its efforts to improve the water quality and beauty of the Ross Barnett Reservoir and its shores. Jeannine is the fifth Mississippian to win this award since it was created in the 1980s.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD
, which recognizes an outstanding volunteer, under the age of 40, who demonstrates exceptional leadership in helping their community.
Dr. Brett Rushing, Mississippi State University Extension Center
Dr. Rushing was integral in KMB's launch of the Wildflower Trails of Mississippi project, and has worked with KMB and KAB affiliates across the state to support wildflower plantings. Brett is the second Mississippian to win this award since it was created in 2013.
BILL NASH AWARD,
which honors an affiliate less than three years old for exceptional success.
Keep Starkville Beautiful
Since its launch in 2017, Keep Starkville Beautiful has made significant investments to end littering, beautify public spaces, and improve recycling. Accepting the award was Affiliate Director, Amy Counterman. Keep Starkville Beautiful is the third Mississippi affiliate to win this award in recent years.
AFFILIATE INNOVATION AWARD
Keep Ridgeland Beautiful-
Partnership with Ridgeland Chamber for zinnia project. Accepting the award was Affiliate Director Jan Richardson and board members Ginger Cocke, Rachel Brantley, and Lea Anne Stacy.
STATE AFFILIATE INNOVATION AWARD
Keep Mississippi Beautiful-
Partnership with Pepsi and Dak Prescott for "CAN IT" campaign.
STATE AGENCY RECOGNITION
Mississippi Department of Transportation for its ongoing support of Keep Mississippi Beautiful and litter prevention efforts across the state.
STATE AFFILIATE RECOGNITION DIAMOND LEVEL:
Keep Mississippi Beautiful