Lincoln Shines 'Bright' at National Conference

Courtney Cox
Courtney Cox

LINCOLN -- Bright Futures Lincoln was one of the bright stars at the national organization's fourth annual conference held earlier this month in Siloam Springs.

Courtney Cox, vice president for Lincoln's advisory board, received the Community Champion award, along with a nominee from Pleasant Hill, Mo. Lincoln was one of three finalists nominated for the Affiliate of the Year award.

Bright Futures USA is a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring community partnerships that open a way for all children to learn, lead and serve, according to a press release from the organization.

The annual awards were announced at the "Evening of Champions" banquet held March 2 at John Brown University.

Lincoln kicked off its Bright Futures program in May 2015, and since that time has met thousands of needs, from providing shoes, socks and underwear to helping seniors buy graduation materials to assisting families who have lost their homes through fires.

Cox said her husband was invited to the first meeting as a business owner and she tagged along with him. She continued to attend meetings until, she jokes, "they finally put me on the board."

As a newcomer to Lincoln at home with her children, Cox said Bright Futures has given her a way to meet people in the community and serve the community.

"Serving the community is just so important," Cox said. "I believe my kids learn from example when we serve."

A handout about the nominees for each award says Cox spends many hours promoting Bright Futures, whether it is with her church groups, exercise groups or while she is with her children at different sporting events.

She stands out because of her talent for networking and her gift to help people realize they have time, talent and treasures they can give to help others.

Donna Thompson, who coordinates Bright Futures for Lincoln Consolidated School District, said Cox goes the extra mile. She has planned parties, banquets, "and is always there and willing to help out to make sure all the kids get what they need."

Bright Futures Harrisonville, Mo., was named Affiliate of the Year. Lincoln and Bright Futures in Neosho, Mo., also were considered for the top award.

Mary Ann Spears, Lincoln superintendent, noted that good things are happening to help others in Lincoln and Bright Futures is the foundation for this.

"We have met tons of needs," Spears told Lincoln Area Kiwanis Club last week.

She gave several examples of how the community is helping Lincoln students, including one instance of a couple stepping up to help a high school senior meet a need to help him graduate.

The Bright Futures conference included several breakout sessions and Spears attended a workshop on mentoring students. She said she already knows she wants to bring a mentoring program to Lincoln next school year for elementary- and middle school-age students and plans to sign up as a mentor herself.

"We need this. Our kids need some role models," Spears said.

Kim Vann, executive director of Bright Futures USA, said Lincoln's program is one of the strongest affiliates in the Bright Futures communities. The organization has 52 programs in eight states.

Vann praised Cox, the Bright Futures advisory board, Spears and Thompson.

Vann described Spears as an innovative thinker with a "heart for what's best for the children." The advisory board is filled with people who are "get-it-done folks," she added. Vann was not able to meet Cox but said she could tell from her nomination form Cox was full of energy, thinks creatively and outside the box. Vann said Thompson also goes above and beyond and is highly respected by her co-workers.

"Lincoln has great leadership both from the school and community," Vann said. "I wish we could replicate the leadership we see in Lincoln."

Bright Futures USA is based in Joplin, Mo., and serves more than 250,000 children. The national office provides the framework but each community tailors the program to meet its own, specific needs, Vann said.

General News on 03/15/2017