Great Bend Post
The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce announced all of the individuals nominated to become the Citizen of the Year for 2024. Nominees were announced Thursday which also kicked off the online voting.
Those nominated include: Melody Braddy, Cecilia Conrad, Kathy Copp, Amber Crawford, Megan Elmore, Carrie Feist, Allison Gradig, Dr. Nathan Knackstedt, John Mosier, Bill Nicholson, Steve Ritter, Eric Schoendaler, Gary Shook, Debbie Stevens, Marcia Williams and Elaine Yanda.
Online voting will stay open until Feb. 5. The Citizen of the Year will be announced at the Chamber Banquet on Feb. 8. You must be a current Hoisington resident to vote.
You can find bios on each nominee and a link to vote below.
Vote HERE.
Melody Braddy – A high school student at Hoisington High School who is always willing to help in our community whenever she can. She started the process for our city to get a gaga ball pit at one of our parks. She volunteers at Chamber events. As a member of the Hoisington Jets, she has picked up trash and other items to keep our community clean. She worked at the swimming pool last summer. Whatever Melody is doing in our community she always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. I realize that Melody is young, but she already has made an impact on our community.
Cecilia Conrad – Recently retired Deputy City Clerk for Hoisington. Cil worked for the City of Hoisington for many years in a variety of jobs. She was always so helpful and respectful to all. She would go out of her way to assist in any matter you may have had with city bills and any other issue. I believe she is well deserving of being the 2024 Citizen of the Year! She was the best employee the city of Hoisington ever had for 44yrs. Plus she always is ready to give her family and friends any help that is needed
Kathy Copp – She is the manager at the Friendship House in Hoisington. She is responsible for the distribution of Meals on Wheels, meals at the Friendship House and for dispatching of the Trolley. She goes above and beyond in her duties. If someone doesn't show up for meals, she calls to find out what their problem is and tries to get help from them. Some regular patrons can’t come on some days because of weather or illness. She makes sure they still have their meals. There are a few patrons with physical handicaps that come in for lunch and she has a cup of coffee or hot chocolate waiting for them.
Amber Crawford - Overall she is such a great person who helps and volunteers for all kinds of things in town. From coaching sports to helping run HEPA to name a few. She is a lifetime resident and manages the local Dairy Queen. She’s been the President of the Chamber of Commerce during the pandemic and navigated this time with grace and understanding.
Megan Elmore - As the Director of Hoisington EMS, Megan exemplifies integrity first, service-before-self, and excellence by consistently demonstrating her leadership abilities and dedication to our community. Megan orchestrates love and devotion to the citizens of our community by overseeing highly trained and qualified EMT's, AEMT's, and Paramedics who serve Hoisington and our service area.
Carrie Feist – An English teacher at HHS. She is always so kind and caring about her students. She’s impacted many students’ lives immensely. Her continuous contribution to better the education and well-being of community members. She loves her students and works hard to make their education entertaining and meaningful. Carrie Feist is one of the best teachers in Hoisington High School. She fills her classroom with love, acceptance, knowledge, and sometimes tough love. It might not be something students want to hear, but more importantly something they NEED to hear. The advice and life lessons students learn in their junior and senior year English class will stick with them forever.
Allison Gradig – The Family Support Worker at Roosevelt Elementary School who does good work with monitoring families of children in need and reaching out to donors to get those families resources. Allison goes above and beyond her call of duty to ensure that children in our community have their needs met whether that means food, clothing, beds, anything they might need. If not for her love and care of these children, many would not have the basics needed for living.
Dr. Nathan Knackstedt - A stand-up person who goes above and beyond for his community. Always willing to give back, not to mention he has dedicated his time and knowledge to the people of Hoisington for 25 years by being an amazing Doctor at Clara Barton Hospital. He has impacted several community members by treating their healthcare needs, or their family’s healthcare needs.
John Moshier – He has been the Director of Compliance/HR at Clara Barton Medical Center since November 2011, contributing his expertise as a member of the HIPAA, Compliance, and Safety Committees. He has served as an elected member of the Barton Community College Board of Trustees for an impressive 19 years. In 2024, he furthered his dedication to civic engagement by being elected as a Republican Councilman. A devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Church, John exemplifies servant leadership. He is the Grand Knight of the Hoisington Knights of Columbus and Columbus Club Coordinator. John’s work has extended to re-energizing the Knights of Columbus Council. As Grand Knight, he has initiated new fundraising activities, including a Lenten Raffle, Labor Day 50/50 Cash Raffle, Easter Bingo, Firecracker Bingo, and the return of the annual KofC No-Tap Bowling Tournament. All these initiatives help to allow the Council to support community, family and youth activities, provide support for priests and religious individuals and allow for numerous other charitable contributions.
Bill Nicholson - He has owned a business in Hoisington since the 1960's. He has served on nearly every conceivable board or commission (i.e. City Council, School Board, Kiwanis, scholarship fund boards, Barton College boards, etc. etc. etc.). This is not to mention that he has contributed considerable financial resources for charitable organizations and fundraisers.
Steve Ritter - He has been an outstanding presence in our community. Always kind. He was a very hard worker and provided the community with years of having clean vehicles! His physical health took a bad turn but that has not stopped him from being out and about in town with that unmistakable smile, wave, and a resounding "hello!!". He has contributed to many community activities over the years financially and being present to help in whatever capacity he was asked to fulfill. Also he has been a great supporter of his church and their various services. A well deserved man of Citizen of the Year and it's my honor to nominate him.
Eric Schoendaler – Vice President of First Kansas Bank and a resident of Great Bend. Eric may not live here but he does many things for Hoisington. Served on the Chamber board. Currently serves on the board for United Way of Central Kansas, ECommunity and Cardinal Apartments. He is a huge part of Labor Day festivities, involved with St. John the Evangelist and recently volunteered for The K of C free throw contest. He is an all-around good person to have in the community.
Gary Shook – Past City Council Member and previous Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Board Director. He is someone not originally from Hoisington that has involved himself in this community tremendously. Gary has served the city council for years, he helps at the friendship house, and he also helps the city by mowing vacant lawns. He is a comic relief to many and brings joy to our community through his humor.
Debbie Stephens – Director of GPS Kids Club and has been part of the Hoisington community for 30 years. In that time, she started a daycare and cared for dozens of local kids, most of whom will tell you what a positive influence she had on them. She has gone on to start GPS Kids Club. This program, aimed at serving children K-6, has benefited hundreds of local children and their families. This program provides before and after school care for children that may otherwise not have a place to go. It provides faith-based lessons, meals and snacks, homework help, and so much more. She started this program to fill a community need. For the first several years in operation she did this without taking a wage, essentially working for free. She has also helped fill the childcare needs by helping open two additional in-home daycares for the community. She is active in her church, leading the children’s services and teaching Sunday school. She also is passionate about caring for our community and takes her GPS kids on outings to volunteer in the community, like cleaning up the cemetery. Her passion for our community’s youth has had a lasting impact and is recognized throughout the county. Debbie is an asset to Hoisington, and we are lucky to have her.
Marcia Williams – A Math teacher at Barton Community College and previous Math teacher at HHS. She goes above and beyond for her students. She is a light to everyone and deserves to be recognized. Marcia Williams has made a significant impact on her students’ lives, and they never forget how welcomed and loved she made them feel. Marcia is kind and is a friend to everyone. Hoisington is lucky to have her!