New Pioneers had a delightful time celebrating our 20th Anniversary this November at the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse in Nelson County! This special evening marked 2 decades of New Pioneers educating, demonstrating, and advocating for a more sustainable future, and we can't thank our community enough for helping us reach this milestone.
This celebration started with a warm greeting from our MC, James Spragens, followed by a farm-to-table meal prepared by Chef Gwyn Artz and live entertainment from the band, Ten-Fifty Arrival! Then, our foundress, Sr. Claire McGowan, shared her Living Legacy, giving attendees insight into the creation and early years of New Pioneers. Attendees also had a glimpse of New Pioneers' work today and for the future, as presented by our current Executive Director, Julia Gerwe!
The evening also featured a Story of Impact from Candace McCann, the Art Teacher at Bardstown Elementary School and former intern at New Pioneers, including how our organization has personally impacted her life and the lives of students. Words of gratitude were also shared throughout the night, taking a moment of remembrance for friends and members of New Pioneers who have passed.
Furthermore, two awards were presented at our Anniversary Celebration. This includes the Pioneer Spirit Award, honoring The City of Springfield for their unwavering support for community and for years of bold thoughts and actions taken toward creating a more sustainable future. As well as the Voice + Vision Award, presented to Tresine Logsdon, the Energy & Sustainability Coordinator for Fayette County Public Schools, for inspiring change and empowering action to make our planet greener!
The evening closed with delicious desserts prepared by Jasmine Huston, a collective singing of This Land is Your Land, and the drawing of our winners of the 20th Anniversary Raffle. Throughout the night, attendees also participated in a collective art piece, writing what inspires them about New Pioneers and the evening on wood cookies, presented in shadow boxes for our office!
New Pioneers is extremely thankful to all the wonderful attendees who made this night so special. Extra thanks are also given to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for the event space; James Spragens, our MC; Chef Gywn Artz; The Ten-Fifty Arrival Band; Jasmine Huston, our dessert maker; and all of our amazing speakers and award winners: Sr. Claire McGowan, Candace McCann, The City of Springfield, Tresine Logsdon, and Michael Bickett.
We are so honored to celebrate our 20-year milestone alongside our community, and we cannot wait to keep serving you for the next 20 years!
To view more photos from the evening, click here, or on the collage above.
Photos are credited to Katelyn Norris with the Kentucky Standard.
