Community Awards

Susan Paxton Block Distinguished Public Service Award

JSL has the privilege of honoring one of its former members, Susan Paxton Block, on behalf of the City of Independence, by giving the Susan Paxton Block Distinguished Public Service Award.

Ms. Block was a second-generation member of JSL, including a term as president. She also represented the 3rd District on the City Council from 1992 until her death in 1996. Her father, the late Bill Paxton, established the award in 1997 to honor her memory and recognize individuals from city employees to volunteers.

The Susan Paxton Block Award is open to any city employee, volunteer or elected official who has demonstrated outstanding public service, valor and job performance with leadership.

A selection committee chaired by the Junior Service League’s Past President and comprised of local service club presidents selects the recipient. The City awards the recipient $1,000 plus a sterling silver medallion and a sterling silver lapel pin. JSL presents the award annually at the City Council meeting just prior to Ms. Block’s birthday, September 24.

Past Recipients

  • 2024 – Officer Michelle Sumstad
  • 2023 – Officer Travis Gillihan
  • 2022 – Meredith Rose
  • 2021 – Diane Egger
  • 2020 – Jeff White
  • 2019 – Sheila Saxton
  • 2018 – Officer Jeff Nunn
  • 2017 – Jennifer Polston
  • 2016 – Cindy Friend
  • 2015 – Christina Leakey
  • 2014 – Ellen Greenberg Jacobs
  • 2013 – Kimberly Bailey
  • 2012 – Vicki Hon
  • 2011 – Joanie Shover
  • 2010 – Julie Boydston
  • 2009 – Officer Rob Romey
  • 2008 – David Dickerson and Kim Gearhart
  • 2007 – Bruce Lowery
  • 2006 – Jeff Lawhon
  • 2005 – Kathy Offutt
  • 2004 – Larry Kaufman
  • 2003 – John Bullard
  • 2002 – Brenda Palma
  • 2001 – Officer Dennis Green
  • 2000 – Dan McGraw
  • 1999 – Bob Cackler

Mary Mildred DeWitt Girl Scout Patch for Service

JSL honors one of its charter members, Mary Mildred DeWitt, by partnering with Girl Scout Troops in the Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri District and created the Mary Mildred DeWitt Community Preservation Patch in 2010.

Girl Scouts may earn this patch by visiting a local historic landmark in their communities, as well as meeting other age-group specific requirements. The preservation aspect of the patch aims to educate girls on how to protect the things they love. That was something that was very important to Mrs. DeWitt and that’s something JSL would like to pass along to girls.

Mary Mildred DeWitt believed in community service. She founded the Independence Girl Scouts Council and served as its first President. She also was involved with the National Board of Girl Scouts of America.

Mrs. DeWitt dedicated her time to preserving our community’s history. As a member of the Jackson County Historical Society, serving as President from 1961 to 1963, she made preserving the community’s past a top priority. She was instrumental in saving the 1859 Jail. In 1960, she and her husband, J. Roger DeWitt, bought the Vaile Mansion to prevent its destruction. Until her death, Mrs. DeWitt worked tirelessly to restore the 23-room home.

Even after she died in 1983, Mrs. DeWitt left a legacy to the community she loved, including giving the Vaile Mansion to the city so it would be preserved for future generations. JSL honors this amazing woman for what she gave to JSL and the entire community.