Watson receives Community Cornerstone Award

CornerBank has announced Maredith Watson is the Community Cornerstone Award recipient for April. In recognition of her service, CornerBank will contribute $100 to the non-profit organization of Maredith's choice. She has selected Big Brothers Big Sisters. A reception honoring Maredith's service will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 15, in the CornerBank community room, 125 N. Summit. The public is invited to attend the reception.

Maredith is a member of St. James Church of God in Christ, where she has been president of the youth group (YPWW) since 1989. She is a lifetime member of the church choir, member of the scholarship committee, teacher of the Young Women's Christian Counsel, member of the benevolence committee and director of specialty programs.

She is a volunteer for the annual Arkalalah reunion for the NAACP. She served on the local negotiation team for the Ark City Teachers Association for many years.

Maredith was born in Winfield, the oldest daughter of John and Dorothy Watson. She was educated in Ark City, earned an associate of arts degree from Cowley College and a degree in education from Southwestern College in 1972.

She started her teaching career by reading to students in various schools throughout Ark City. Many children were thrilled they could read better because Ms. Watson was there. She has been a classroom teacher more than 36 years, starting at Pershing Elementary and currently at Jefferson Elementary. Maredith was awarded Teacher of the Year and given several other awards throughout her teaching career.

Maredith was selected for the award by the Community Cornerstone Award selection committee, which includes Arleta Rice, Judy Reedy, Karl Faidley, Dolly Bonfy, Curt Freeland and Brenda Combs. All are previous recipients of the Cornerstone Award. Volunteers are the cornerstones of healthy communities. They're on your corner - the people next door. They're in your corner - helping make our community stronger. The Community Cornerstone Award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers dedicated to serving people and enhancing the quality of life in Cowley County. If you know of a Cowley County resident who has shown servant leadership in community service, contact Joyce McArtor at 442-6500 or joycem@cornerbank.com for nomination guidelines.

Make a nomination via PDF.