To honor women who make significant contributions to their communities, the Annie Baxter Award was born in 1990.

During an awards ceremony Oct. 28, the winner of the 14th annual Annie Baxter Award was announced. The ceremony took place at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Billingsly Student Center. The Helen S. Boylan Foundation and the Missouri Southern social sciences department sponsor the award.

Among 10 nominations for the award, Roseann Bentley, a former Missouri State Senator, was named the winner.

“She has a remarkable career in public service,” said Dr. Virginia Laas, associate professor of history and moderator of the ceremony.

Laas introduced all of the nominees after a dinner served in their honor.

She gave a brief description of their accomplishments, saying it was difficult for the judges to choose just one winner.

“In truth, all of these women are winners,” Laas said.

The winner, who was determined to play a significant role in government and politics, received a sculpture designed by a Carthage artist.

The first winner of the Annie Baxter Award, Marjorie Bull, former Jasper County clerk, said her award now lies in the historical display at the Jasper County courthouse. She gave a brief speech about her work as county clerk.

“It was a lot of fun,” Bull said.

Noreen Kohrs, city clerk of Clever, Mo., attended the dinner and awards ceremony, because she was nominated by her mayor. She was a nominee both this year and last year.

“I think it’s a privilege just to be nominated,” Kohrs said.

Kohrs went to the dinner last year as well.

“The lady who won last year well deserved it,” she said.

Shawna Flannery, Nixa parks and recreation manager, was the winner in 2002. Laas said the purpose of the Annie Baxter Award is to recognize women for their work in their communities.

“I don’t know how their communities would get along without them,” she said.