2016 Spirit of America nominee: Dortha Strack

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: University of Missouri Extension/Lesley Meier and Mary Gosche

NOMINEE'S CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: University of Missouri Extension FCE, University of Missouri Extension 4-H, Grace United Methodist Church, SEMO District Fair Board

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?

Dortha Strack, or Miss Dortha, has been instrumental in shaping generation after generation in this community through various activities. Her door is always open and she pushes everyone to do their best.

Dortha has been a 4-H Volunteer for 54-years and serves as the Young Americans 4-H club leader. She has been inducted in the 4-H Hall of Fame and received the Frank Graham and Naomi Couch 4-H Volunteer awards. She has helped many young people with their public speaking skills and chaperoned trips throughout the country. Her club organizes a Clover Kid camp each year for youth ages 5 to 7. At the SEMO District Fair, she serves as the 4-H Building superintendent, was instrumental in fundraising for the 4-H building and has served as the 4-H food-stand manager. Living the true spirit of America, Dortha's 4-H club goes caroling at the Veterans Home, sets up and takes down flags for holidays, and under her leadership, writes letters to the troops.

Dortha Strack

Through her 60-year involvement in the KAGE FCE group, she has chaired the scholarship committee, worked tirelessly "stripping" old fabric to be made into autism weighted blankets and raised funds for the Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship project.

Dortha conducts Kids Saturday every month at Sunny Hill Nursery. She donates seeds and plants for Farm Day and Eating from the Garden for area elementary students. As a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Dortha rang the bells and taught Sunday School until her health limited her.