Friday, May 18, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Congratulates Marshfield Student for National Award
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today applauded Kaitlyn McConnell, this year's Save Our History Student of the Year. The national award is presented to an outstanding student who proactively preserves their local history.
"I congratulate Kaitlyn McConnell on her dedication to preserving our culture and history and am pleased one of Missouri's talented students received this national honor," Blunt said. "Missourians can be proud of our rich heritage and the many important historic sites and landmarks throughout our state."
Miss McConnell is a senior at Marshfield High School where she has worked with the local newspaper to capture her community's history for the past year and a half. Originally, Miss McConnell was assigned to write an article concerning a local church. That assignment evolved into a weekly column.
The History Channel created the Save our History award to encourage students and educators to inform their community about the importance of preserving history. The award includes a $5,000 scholarship. Miss McConnell was selected from several hundred applicants.
Gov. Blunt takes great pride in the state's history and the students and volunteers who work to preserve their communities' culture.
Since taking office Blunt has approved nearly 400 projects and issued state tax credits amounting to more than $185 million to benefit historic preservation. His administration also developed the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Initiative in order to give communities access to the tools they need to accomplish their downtown revitalization plans and preserve their historic city centers.
President George Bush appointed Blunt to serve on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in March 2006. The federal agency promotes the preservation of historic sites and advises the president and Congress on historic preservation policies.