Bentonville's First Quarter Outstanding Citizen Award Winners Announced

BENTONVILLE -- Juanita Fryer, Trevor Bartlett and Baker Gives Back are the recipients of the 2014 first quarter winners of the Outstanding Citizen Award, Mayor Bob McCaslin announced in a news release.

Fryer was nominated by Janet Hendren.

At A Glance

Outstanding Citizen Award

The Outstanding Citizen Award program was initiated in January 2011 to recognize the exceptional volunteer contributions of Bentonville residents. There are three award categories: adult, youth and community group.

Source: City Of Bentonville

Fryer moved to Bentonville with her husband around 1960 and taught home economics at the high school. She also acted as faculty adviser for the Future Homemakers of America, Hendren said in the release. Fryer later served as the school's guidance counselor.

She became the city's first lady when her husband John Fryer was appointed mayor, according to the release.

Since retiring, Fryer has remained active in the community by volunteering at First United Methodist Church; is a member of the organizing committee for the annual Arbor Day Celebration; and is a member of the Bentonville Garden Club.

Fryer received the Circle of Roses Award last year, which is presented to outstanding members with at least 25 years of service to the garden club, according to the release.

Trevor Bartlett was nominated by his father, Dean Bartlett.

Since 2010, Trevor Bartlett has volunteered 334 hours at the Bentonville Public Library. He serves on the Teen Advisory Board, according to the release.

Last summer, he planned and instructed several science-themed children's workshops with other teen advisory board members, Sarah Gowdy, teen services librarian, said in the release.

Baker Gives Back was nominated by Amanda Musick and Buddy Herdon.

Baker Gives Back, formed about six years ago, is a network of parents committed to meeting the needs of R.E. Baker Elementary students, according to the release. Members volunteer time and resources to help students and their families who are struggling and need help with basic needs, such as clothing, food, haircuts and school supplies.

The "Gives Back" program has expanded to eight of 10 elementary schools, all four middle and all three junior high schools, according to the release.

McCaslin also presented a National Volunteer Week proclamation to Michael Poore, superintendent of Bentonville schools. In 2013, the district reported almost 72,000 volunteer hours, a value of $1.5 million. National Volunteer Week was April 6-12.

Second quarter 2014 Outstanding Citizen nominations will be accepted until June 13. To obtain a nomination form and additional information go to www.bentonvillear.com.

NW News on 04/19/2014

Upcoming Events