To describe Kim...She's just one of those genuine, caring individuals who are interested in how one is doing, what can she do to help others, and the list goes on. Kim is also the supportive mom who jumps in when stuff needs done! Recently, she stepped up to lend a helping hand for the Lady Birds' Senior Night, even though her baller is a junior. Kim also works on behalf of students in the Alton School District - so serving others is what she does AROUND THE CLOCK. All of the above-mentioned kind behaviors and much more is why Kim Nixon is AWESOME...PERIOD!!! 💕

If you ever are in need for a lil' humor and a lot of fun times, Amy McVey is the person on whom to call. She serves as VP of Improvement Services and has had an incredible impact on so many. Most importantly, her spirited personality and creative ideas have led to streamlined processes that make the work less hectic and way more enjoyable. Most importantly, she's witty and funny, always bringing her bright and playful personality to every party (Ummm, meeting). It would be easy to go on and on about this Kentucky native, but in short - most of ya 'all would agree she's simply AWESOME!!! 💕

Megan Murphy is a teacher, coach, mother, and wife. She excels in all roles, but the point of this narrative is to share what was recently observed at a ballgame. It says a lot about her to take on the responsibility of building a new team and recognized the number of girls out for basketball. That says a lot about Megan, their coach. Additionally, the players displayed kindness and a continued “go to” attitude of working hard even when the points weren’t necessarily being added to the scoreboard. It's important to recognize and embrace that winning comes in more forms than simply having more points than the other team. Winning is also about character. And the Brussels Raiders, well they’ve got tons of character, as it shows by their actions. Credit goes to many, but the coach, Megan Murphy, is AWESOME, simply AWESOME! 💕

How many times have your neighbors come to your aid? Many might answer several or none. It really depends on the neighborhood or community in which you live. In Calhoun, everyone is your neighbor. The blessing is that a phone call will result in action. That is the case with Gina Rose. When my dad's blood pressure dropped significantly and his glucose increased, my siblings, mom and I needed guidance. We are not medical professionals and did not feel comfortable making the call on what to do. We turned to our neighbor, Gina Rose. She's an amazing nurse who served as our angel. She helped us understand what was happening and gave us confidence in making the right decision. The fact that we could call her and she not only helped us but left the lines of communication open indefinitely illustrates AWESOMENESS in every way! So grateful for AWESOME neighbors! 💕

Here's to a man who serves as a mechanic for a car dealership, Vic Baalman.  My mom made the call to Vic, seeking some car maintenance assistance. Generally, this task would be completed by my 82 year old dad, but he was in the hospital at the time. So, my 80 year old mom stepped into action. She called Vic, who on his way to work,  stopped by my parents' home to check the vehicle. He examined it, took time to fix it after a few trips to Hardin and back, but then failed to provide a bill. Of course, my mom would never allow for the work to be done without providing payment, but it's just the idea that such AWESOME people like Vic exist. In fact, they are around us more than we realize. Vic - well he's AWESOME in every way. Let's start looking for the Vics of the world! 💕

Kevin serves as a senior project manager for Cognia.  Having the opportunity to meet him was happenstance, truly. A friend made the introduction and from there a conversation occurred. The building of relationships often occurs when networking. In this case, a colleague who knew a colleague provided the context to make it necessary to meet. Much was learned from the prospective of a kind human being who served in a big role. Kevin is skilled in many areas, performs tasks with intellect and amazing skill, and is ever so humble. Getting to know him better is definitely a goal, as he the disposition and skillset to help everyone change the world for the better. Thus...KEVIN = AWESOME! 💕

If you didn't know Tiffany Hanslow at all, there would be no doubt in your mind that she's a first grade teacher!  The energy, stamina, excitement, enhanced nonverbals, the "making you feel like a million bucks when you walked in the room" persona, and I could go on and on, are just a few ways to describe this dynamo person! She lights up every room she enters and creates a climate - wherever she is - that's fun and invigorating. She was observed at a basketball game, receiving guests as only Tiffany Hanslow can do - and immediate the climate shifts to POSITIVE and POWERFUL!  AWESOME is one of many adjectives to describe her, but this is recognizing AWESOMENESS everywhere, so we'll just say she's mighty high on the list! 💕

A retired middle grades educator who has ALWAYS been an advocate for children, Freddy is also a political liaison for those who are committed to a worthy cause. What one can appreciate about Freddy is she is ALWAYS ALL in, traveling to educate others and providing resources to ensure information is received. While teaching, she was a teacher leader who gave back to all children, often purchasing clothing or food items without others knowing. Her husband, Pete, is also a longtime educator and leader. They are both in it for all the right reasons. Frankly, thinking of Freddy many thoughts surface, but at the top of words to describe her... AWESOME certainly stands out! 💕

Having the opportunity to visit with Michelle Wilderman is just a blessing. One can see and feel the love she has for her students. When thinking "in loco parentis," one would see a picture of Michelle. Not only does she display all the positive attributes of a caring, compassionate educator, but her eyes light up when talking about curriculum development, lesson planning, creative instructional strategies, and engagement. What an amazing place to be...Mrs. Wilderman's classroom! No doubt her students are so lucky to have her, her colleagues are lucky to have her, and we are all better knowing her. I would say that makes Michelle Wilderman REALLY AWESOME! 💕

Karen is a caring, talented educator and a wonderful mom to one our senior Lady Birds basketball players. While Senior Night was postponed due to weather, how kind was it to find Karen gathering the forces to present flowers to each player. She gives 100% as a fan and Lady Bird supporter, often taking pictures and sharing them with the other moms. We are all fortunate to having an AWESOME Karen on the mom's team - AWESOME in every way! 💕