JACKSON MAN GETS JAYCEES' AWARD AS OUTSTANDING YOUNG MISSOURIAN

JACKSON -- There isn't much private time in Steve Popp's schedule.

He works as a licensed real-estate appraiser for Cunningham Appraisal Service, serves on the board of directors of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Industrial Development Authority, and will join the Rotary Club board this summer.

At home, Popp has a wife, Teresa, and two young sons: Norman, 8, and Earl, 6.

The Jackson Jaycees noticed that all of his commitments benefit other people, so they nominated him to be one of the Missouri Jaycees' Ten Outstanding Young Missourians for 1994.

Popp won.

"Sometimes a person's involvement in community activities indirectly benefits that person," said Mayor Paul Sander, who nominated Popp. "Steve doesn't benefit from a financial or business standpoint; he does it all as a service to the community."

In 1994, Popp won the Jackson Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award, leading to his nomination for the statewide award. He knew he was nominated but didn't expect to be picked from the field of 29 nominees.

Popp spent Feb. 3 through 5 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons at Lake of the Ozarks. On his all-expense-paid trip, he met Missouri Jaycees officeholders and the other nine award-winners. At a special banquet, Popp received a medal and plaque and made a short acceptance speech.

"I wanted to thank the Jaycees at the state level, but I believed the Jackson Jaycees deserved to share the award," Popp said. "Everything I have accomplished has been due to the efforts of many other people, including the Jaycees. They are very active in our community."

He said he probably received the award based on his work as chairman of the Jackson Park Board between 1991 and 1994. During that time, the board constructed Safety City U.S.A., a public facility to teach children bicycle safety.

Popp also worked on the establishment of the Veterans Memorial, completed recently in Brookside Park. As a six-year veteran of the Air Force, the memorial had special meaning to him.

While he plans to stay active in the Jackson community, the award-winner said he wouldn't take on any additional club memberships or board positions for a while.

"My sons are getting old enough to be in Scouts and sports activities," he said. "I want to be the parent who always does a little extra to help out."