The city of Henderson competed gamely to win the “All-America City Award” but fell short in the effort last weekend.
Ten of 20 finalists that met in Denver last weekend were honored with the award.
The other Kentucky finalist—Lexington—was named a winner.
Aside from Lexington, winners include Danville, Va.; Edinburg, Texas; High Point, N.C.; La Marque, Texas; Monrovia, Calif.; Newport News, Va.; Roanoke, Va.; Watkinsville, Ga.; and Seattle.
Sponsored and judged by the National Civic League, the award honors communities that are “finding innovative ways to equitably engage community members in activities that strengthen local democracy, like making it easier to vote, engage in community affairs, and serve in leadership roles.”
The city’s entry involved the Inner City Improvement Plan, a 4-year plan with a dedicated $300,000 each year for East End projects.
Though Henderson didn’t win, the city “was very well represented,” said City Commissioner Austin Vowels, who attended the event.
Commissioner Robert Pruitt added “we should have been on top.”
Those who represented Henderson at the competition are listed below.
City Employees/Officials
Commissioner Austin P. Vowels
Commissioner Robert Pruitt
Dawn Kelsey
Trace Stevens
Jeremy Conrad
Theresa Richey
Non-City Members
Abby Dixon
Bobbi Jo Marx
Bobbie Jarrett
Chad Thompson
Jennifer Marks
Kevin Gibson
Marcos Nicolas, Jr.
Michelle Chappell
Mi’Oshi C. Holloway
KaDryian Payne
Nivea L. Carter
Steve Gold
Kacee Campbell
