BENTONVILLE — Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin honored three residents with Outstanding Citizen awards Jan. 15. Larry and Elise Kirkpatrick and Joshua Rogers were honored for their service to the community.
The Kirkpatricks were nominated by Lee Farmer with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for their 17 years with the Bentonville Youth Softball League. The Kirkpatricks serve on the advisory board, a volunteer group that regulates and administers the softball league for Bentonville Parks and Recreation, according to a news release.
Farmer estimates the couple has spent more than 13,000 volunteer hours organizing board meetings, overseeing league registration, operating clinics and creating teams and schedules. The two also spent considerable time at Memorial Park serving as field supervisors, Farmer said in the release.
The Kirkpatricks have served in the Bentonville Youth Softball League since it was organized in 1981, with Larry serving as president of the board. Elise is board secretary. Under their direction, the league has raised money for facility improvements at Memorial Park totaling more than $20,000, according to the release.
Rogers was nominated by his 9-year-old stepson, Reed Wortman. Rogers donates his time building bicycles for those in need and organizing a grappling tournament to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas, according to the release.
Britney Gulley, development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas, said Rogers has organized and hosted the grappling tournament for three years. The event has raised more than $1,800 for the organization.
At A Glance
About The Award
The Outstanding Citizen Award recognizes the volunteer contributions of Bentonville residents each quarter in three categories: adult, youth and community group. First quarter nominates will be accepted until March 22. To obtain a nomination form or more information, visit the city’s website at bentonvillear.com.
Source: Staff Report