We Celebrate 20 Under 40

Inside this May 4, 2023 edition of the Community Voice is a special section recognizing the 20 Under 40 Class of 2023.

We were astounded to receive more than 100 nominations this year, and narrowing the highly qualified candidates down to 20 was extremely difficult. We went into this knowing that we will have plenty of qualified candidates for years to come. Adair County is blessed with talented, driven, generous young people, and we are grateful to be able to take the opportunity to recognize this young group of leaders.

These 20 winners were recognized during a banquet last Thursday night. Starting with a candle-lit dinner, the VFW building held a full house of our winners and members of the community who came to celebrate them. We want to thank everyone who helped sponsor the event or came to show your support.

In researching our winners, we discovered a common theme for many of them. Perseverance. This group came through a pandemic and we are recognizing their success on the other side.

A dentist who opened her own practice just 10 months before Covid-19 closed the doors.

A business owner who was selling handmade products to hundreds of boutiques when Covid-19 hit and businesses closed.

A nurse practitioner who was the first person in her family to earn a college degree.

A second-generation business owner whose family lost their patriarch way too soon.

A man who says his life was a mess but God is using that as a message as he reaches thousands of young people.

A man who had a difficult childhood but one teacher changed his world, and he is now making a difference in the lives of others.

They may see mountains ahead of them, but we see the mountains behind them. We see their strength and perseverance, and we are so happy to be able to celebrate them as the 2023 Class of 20 Under 40. Our future is in good hands.