While Traditional Home Magazine didn’t name Jean Cavavanugh one of its five top award winners in its seventh-annual Best in American Caring and Giving Contest, judges did think highly enough of her to single out her volunteerism to USD 428 students.
The magazine wrote about the 34-year veteran school board member: “... Jean Van Horn Cavanaugh of Great Bend - 87 years old and still giving. Piling disadvantaged students in her car to go to games, concerts, or the Kansas State Fair, she provides the guidance that helps them prepare for col1ege education. Rigo Garcia credits Jean for helping him graduate from medical school last May. (He said) ‘She listened. She understood my desire to excel. She was always there for me.’”
Dr. Mary Helen Misegadis, who nominated Cavanaugh for the honor, said that this is the first time a non-winner was singled out for mention.
“It’s a very nice honor,” Cavanaugh said.
The Classic Woman Award winners for 2011 were announced in December in the magazine.