Each year, the City of Fulton Human Rights Commission and Callaway County presents the Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award. The honor goes to a local woman who makes major contributions of their time, actions and dedication to social justice, environmental justice, economic equality, community building, education or embracing diversity. It has been awarded since 2013.
Jane Bierdeman-Fike was a Fulton resident who championed social and economic justice, as well as mental health issues.
Nominations will be accepted through November 16, 2018. The award will be selected by a panel of community leaders and announced at the Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award program on December 14, 2018. Anyone being nominated must be a resident, as well as work and/or volunteer in Fulton or Callaway County.
The 2018 award luncheon will be held at Fulton City Hall, 18 East 4th Street, on December 14. It will run from noon until 1 p.m. with food and drinks served to all in attendance.
| Previous Winners | ||||
| Year | Name | Year | Name | |
| 2013 | Nancy McCue | 2015 | Jerrie Bell | |
| 2016 | Suzanne Guerrant | 2017 | Nancy Hanson | |
| 2018 | ||||
2018 Jane Bierdeman Fike Award Finalists
Connie Cashion
Connie established the From HIS HOUSE to Your House free store in Fulton, where those in need can obtain clothes, furniture, and household items free of charge. For over 16 years, Connie has helped literally thousands of low-income families from our community by giving them essential items that others may take for granted. Other local agencies, such as the homeless shelter and churches, look to Connie for help when people come to them in need of assistance. Connie has touched countless lives with her generosity, perseverance, and selflessness.
Debbie Luckinbill
Debbie founded the Callaway County Special Olympics, which offers sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through Debbie’s work, these Special Olympians are given an outlet to play on a team, make friends, and to experience a sense of belonging. Debbie also takes it upon herself to find the funds to not only house and equip the Special Olympics, but also finds ways to sponsor Olympians who cannot afford to participate otherwise. She has been described as the heart and soul of the Callaway County Special Olympics program.
Cassie Santhuff
Four years ago, Cassie co-founded the Super Sam Foundation, which is a local organization that aims to fight childhood cancer. As President of the Super Sam Foundation, she has brought the community together to provide comfort, joy, and support to many families affected by childhood cancer. Through her dedication and hard work, Cassie has raised upwards of $160,000 for pediatric cancer research. Cassie has made it her mission to fight this terrible disease for the benefit of others, and, simultaneously, has created a beautiful legacy in the name of her son.
Judy Schaneman
For several years, Judy has been a devoted board member and grant writer for Our House: Caring for Callaway’s Homeless. She is also involved with CARDV and Callaway Keys. Through her hard work and her seemingly boundless enthusiasm for humanitarian issues, Judy has made a significant impact in our community. As her nominator stated, “Without a doubt, Callaway County would not be the same without [Judy’s] past and ongoing contributions to making our community a better place to live for all.”
Tammy Smiley
Tammy is the Admissions Director for the CRAFT program at the Biggs unit of Fulton State Hospital, where she also serves on social work supervisory committees. At Biggs, Tammy is recognized for her outstanding management skills and for her ability to inspire those around her. Tammy also inspires others through her work with Richland Baptist Church, Kingdom Christian Academy, and SERVE. She is known to go out of her way to make other people’s lives easier or more comfortable, whether it be by chopping wood or milking cows so that others may have a break. Tammy has a strong passion for helping others in our community.
Sherri Sommers
Sherri has served as a Public Health RN at the Callaway County Health Department for 23 years. In that time, she has proven to be a dedicated and dependable public servant. Not only has Sherri given countless immunizations and placed countless bandaids on our community’s youth, she has also helped countless mothers and families gain access to much-needed resources through the Health Department’s WIC program. Sherri and her family are also involved in projects and outreach through St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In both her work and private life, Sherri quietly and humbly contributes to the betterment of Callaway County.
Printable Nomination Form
Printable forms can be picked up at Fulton City Hall, Callaway County Courthouse and the Callaway Chamber of Commerce. Forms should be returned to Fulton City Hall at 18 East 4th Street.
