Julie Lyon, mayor of Stafford, was presented with a We Kan! award Nov. 5 in a surprise presentation at a meeting in Stafford. 

The presentation was made by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Inman-based non-profit has been choosing ten recipients a year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture.    

Lyon’s award had the words “Visionary Doer” engraved on a round plate made by Elk Falls Pottery. Penner said, “Julie is one of those people who sees an issue and turns it into an opportunity. She thinks big and but follows up with action.”

In addition to Lyon, the other 2020 awards presented to date have been to Bennington Community Library; Heather Fuesz, Eureka; Shirley Higgins, McCracken; Tim Rues, Constitution Hall, Lecompton; and Lynn Smith, Pioneer Bluffs Foundation, Matfield Green.

To see a list of all We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.