The Center for Human Services (CHS) held its annual recognition luncheon Friday at the Sedalia Country Club.

The CHS honored Richard Parkhurst with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Parkhurst served on the board from 2001 and just recently stepped down.

“I don't think there's anything quite as satisfying as being recognized for what you've done in the past,” Parkhurst said as he accepted his award. “I'm truly humbled, thank you very much.”

CHS Executive Director Ann Graff noted that Parkhurst has “lent his expertise to the Center and given us a lot of wisdom. And we really appreciate everything he's done,” she said. “It's nice to recognize people and I don't think you can do that enough."

Personal growth is something that is encouraged at CHS, and Graff said “it usually means the client did something unexpected where they have really worked hard to grow, and achieve a goal that they had.”

Those rewarded for personal growth included Gregg Defoor (service coordination), Linda Wagner (community living), David Matthews (employment services), David Moore (employment services), and Craelynn Wissler (family & child care development).

Two CHS board members were named Ambassadors of the Year, including James P. Buckley and Michael Jackson.

The Outstanding Generosity Award went to Inter-State Studio and the Women's Service League.

E.W. Thompson Rehab (Kristen West), and LeMaire's Cajun Seafood (Storm Sheppard) were both recognized for Outstanding Employment by the CHS.

Community Involvement Awards were presented to Kid Konnection Day care and Pre-School (Catherine Fidler) and the Sedalia Democrat (Will Weibert).

Dennis Hamilton and Martha Mefford were named Outstanding CHS Employees.

For more information about the CHS, go to www.chs-mo.org.

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