Spirit of America 2013 nominee: Mary Kasten

Nominated by Southeast Missouri Pachyderm Club

Mary Kasten (Laura Simon)

I believe that Mary exemplifies exactly what servitude is, while presenting herself with the utmost dignity and humility. Mary has dedicated her life to serving those in need; from creating a preschool program and a baby wellness clinic in Cape Girardeau in the 1960s to leading the campaign to build a new chapel and multiuse facility at Mid American Teen Challenge in the 1990s. Mary also used her talents to serve Cape Girardeau County as a member in the Missouri state House Representatives from 1982-2000, 2008. In more recent years, Mary has focused her efforts on working with the SEMO Pachyderm Club and the Cape Girardeau Tea Party to educate the community on the most contemporary issues that affect our community and the citizens' lives. Mary's resolve has made her one of the most respected statesmen of our community and is a pillar that those in the community aspire to emulate.

Community involvement:

* St. Andrew Lutheran Church, SEMO Pachyderms,

* Cape County Republican Women's Club,

* Cape Girardeau Tea Party, charter member

* Teen Challenge Auxiliary, board of trustees of Southeast Missouri Hospital, founding member of Community Caring Council.

* Former member of the following organizations: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Cape Public Schools board member (1961-1982) and Missouri School Board Association for nine years.

Nominated by the Cape County Republican Women's Club

When not helping someone get a hand up, Mary can be found adorned in red, white and blue passing out copies of our nation's Constitution (which she buys herself). Once a schoolteacher, Mary was called to serve a larger segment of our population in the Missouri House where she spent many years in the minority fighting for the principles she and her constituents believed in. When called to fulfill the remainder of a term, she returned to the House (in her 70s) to finally serve as a member of the majority. Serving is all Mary knows. She is a true stateswoman. Even today she can be found guarding America's integrity as well as all those who need someone to believe in them. That is why I am honored to nominate my idol, a true American sweetheart to receive this award.

Community involvement:

Too many to name. May has served on many charitable boards, nearly every board in town. She helped create some, too, such as the Community Caring Council.