JoAnn Bierle, Robin Henderson, Ark City Clerk Tiffany Parsons and Kim Hager. (Photo courtesy City of Ark City)
Robin Henderson was the recipient of the City of Arkansas City’s annual Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award during a presentation held at USD 470’s Avery Learning Center Tuesday night.
The evening also recognized the late Otis Morrow, whose family was presented with a Special Distinction in Community Service certificate in his honor.
Morrow, who passed away in January, was an attorney at law for 50 years, serving as the City Attorney for Ark City for 30 years.
Henderson is the director of Eagle Nest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing local classes, support, clothing, household goods, and financial assistance to needy families. She’s also served on the RISE Cowley Steering Committee and is the newest board member of the Northwest Community Center, according to a press release from the city Wednesday morning.
She has served as past chair of the Cowley House of Hope Homeless initiative, is a Cowley County breastfeeding advocator, credited with establishing the NAMI Chapter in Cowley County, is an active member of the Cowley County Community Corrections Board, served as board of directors for the Cowley County Community Health Center, worked in child welfare as a social worker for 10 years, was a part of the first Tacolalah committee — and is still a serving member — and is a former chair of the Beautification & Tree Advisory Board.
In addition, Henderson has served as a vital member of the Friends of Wilson Park Committee, is the founder of the Love & Joy Outreach, is credited with starting the Lovie Watson Park Story Walk, began the growing Cowley County Juneteenth Celebration, and supervisor of KU Med Outreach COPE Project.
Henderson, an Ark City resident for over 19 years, is married to Tyler. They have five children and one on the way.
Henderson was chosen by this year’s Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award Committee: Charles Tweedy, Chairman, Tammy Lanman-Henderson, Vice-Chair, JoAnn Bierle, Kim Hager, and Joni Spiser.
Joe B. Avery, a former Ark City Human Relations Commission member, passed away in 2008. He was the first recipient of the award created in his honor.
“This award is bestowed to a deserving community member who displays the values of community spirit and diversity, as selected by a city-appointed commission or committee,” the city said. “The award celebrates those who make an effort to enhance the lives of others through service and a passion for furthering cooperation and humanitarianism among the citizens of Ark City.”
Morrow, who the city called a “pillar of the Arkansas City community,” was born on Jan. 24, 1948.
He graduated from Ark City High School in 1966 and continued at Southwestern College in Winfield, where he graduated in 1970. He later attended Washburn University School of Law, earning his law degree in 1972.
Morrow also lent his expertise to various boards, including the VJ Wilkins Foundation.
“His commitment to the legal profession extended to his memberships in the Kansas Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and American Bar Association, where he continuously strived for justice and fairness,” the city stated. “However, Morrow was more than just an attorney. He was a faithful community servant. He was an active member of the Rotary Club in Arkansas City and played a vital role in the Etzanoa Conservancy.
“Morrow was a vital member of the Chamber of Commerce, having served as president.”
To nominate an individual, group, or organization for the 2024 Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award, please contact City Clerk Tiffany Parsons at [email protected] or call 620-441-4412.
Criteria for the Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award include:
- A candidate must make a significant humanitarian contribution to Arkansas City; this should be a high
priority. - The candidate must live in Cowley County and have lived in Cowley County for five years.
- The candidate must have contributed to their achievements, which have had a lasting effect on Arkansas
City. - The achievements must be something above and beyond their line of work.
Past recipients of the Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award:
2009 — Joe B. Avery and Bruce Watson
2010 — Dr. Nick Rogers
2011 — Pastor James Watson Jr.
2012 — James Fry
2013 — Curtis Freeland
2014 — Delphia Jennings
2015 — Kerry Schnackenberg
2016 — Jim and Carol Owens
2017 — Carlla Pike, Kalin Taylor, and Rob Carroll’s Sandblasting & Painting
2018 — Christopher and Mitchell Gingher
2019 — Jill Hunter
2020 — Mike Evinger
2021 — Anita Judd-Jenkins and Foss Farrar
2022 — Rags Smith
