On Thursday, June 26th, 2025, we held our Membership Luncheon sponsored by Grand Canyon University at the All American St. Louis Elks Lodge #9. We began our meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and welcoming members and guests. Next we thanked our sponsor and invited Shari Cobb and Caroline Miller with Grand Canyon University to say a few words.

After lunch and networking at our tables, we presented the 2025 Education and Health Care Professional of the Year Awards sponsored by Grand Canyon University. The recipients of the awards were nominated by our community and voted on by our Board of Directors.

We recognized Donna Higgins as our 2025 Education Professional of the Year. The criteria for this award are the following:

• Distinguished career and outstanding contributions to public or private education at the local level

• Displays self-sacrifice, selflessness, and dedication to the education of area students

• Establishes meaningful connections with students and families within our communities

Before we awarded Donna, we invited Vicki Thurman to share why she nominated Donna for this award. Click here to read her nomination.  Donna Higgins, teacher at Miriam High School, congratulations and thank you for your dedication to your students!

Next, we recognized Ciarria Underwood as our 2025 Health Care Professional of the Year. The criteria for this award are the following:

• Outstanding health care worker who goes above and beyond best practices to deliver extraordinary care

• Displays self-sacrifice and selflessness in caring for others

• Establishes meaningful connections with patients and families within our communities

Then we invited Bethany Holohan from Three Oaks Hospice to share why she nominated Ciarria for this award. Click here to read her nomination. Ciarria Underwood, nurse at Parc Provence, congratulations and thank you for your dedication to your patients!