Nomination Deadline Extended for the 2024 Susan Paxton Block Award

The Nomination Deadline has been extended. Forms are now due Wednesday, August 21, and are available at the Junior Service League (JSL) in Independence. Completed forms should be mailed to the JSL at 3122 South Crysler, Independence, MO. 64055, Attn: Mary House. Or you can download it here. 

The Susan Paxton Block Award is presented annually to a City employee, volunteer, or elected official. Block was a member and past president of the JSL and represented the Third District from 1992 until she died in 1996. The late Bill Paxton, the father of the late Councilmember Block, established the award to honor her memory and recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence while conducting City business. The award is given in late September, or early October to honor her birthday on September 24.  

A selection committee, comprising local service club presidents, will select the recipient. Recent past recipients of the award include Sheila Saxton in 2019, Jeff Witte in 2020, Diane Egger in 2021, Merideth Rose in 2022, and Travis Gillihan in 2023. 

The award includes $1,000 plus a medallion and a lapel pin. Proceeds come from the memorial fund established by Paxton. 

The award will be announced and presented on Monday, September 16, at the Independence City Council meeting at City Hall, 111 East Maple For more information, call (816) 461-0027.