The City of Arkansas City is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Joe B. Avery Community Spirit Award: the Arkansas City Middle School KAY Club and longtime community volunteer Carol Hearne. The ACMS KAY Club continues to set the bar high for youth leadership, wellness, and service. Under the guidance of sponsors Rakiyah Taylor and Jeff Shaw, these students have organized countless fundraisers, food drives, and service projects that directly support families in need. Their compassion and creativity remind us all of the power of young people to make meaningful change. Carol Hearne, a familiar face in civic life, has spent decades serving Arkansas City through her work in healthcare, the arts, and child advocacy. From helping guide hospital growth to leading the restoration of the Burford Theatre and volunteering as a CASA advocate for children, her contributions reflect a lifetime of generosity and dedication to her hometown.