Ritter award

Many gathered last week to honor the life and legacy of Dr, Martin Luther King Jr. Though King is remembered by most as a civil-rights leader, his life's work is an example of how we should all take an active role in improving our communities.

Monday the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Luncheon was held at the Salvation Army. Four residents in Cape Girardeau were recognized at the event with the Dr. C. John Ritter Humanitarian Service Award. This year's honorees are Betty Mosley, Geneva Allen, and George and Michelle Smith.

Mosley has been active in youth programs, including Head Start, the Family Resource Center and the Boys and Girls Club. Geneva Allen has devoted time to helping challenge employment inequalities in Cape Girardeau. George and Michelle Smith have been volunteers with the Lincoln University Kids Beat program for 12 years, in addition to participating in the Salvation Army's youth programs.

This year's honorees were selected for carrying on the spirit of the late Dr. C. John Ritter. Ritter was a local physician who along with his wife, Marcia Southard-Ritter, traveled on numerous medical trips to Third World countries.

Congratulations to the award honorees. May your service be a challenge to us all to reach beyond ourselves and help others.