20 Missourians named 2025 Most Engaged Neighbors

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Twenty Missouri residents have been honored as the state’s Most Engaged Neighbors for 2025. These awards highlight everyday Missourians whose commitment to their neighborhoods strengthens community bonds and creates belonging.

The recognition is part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, celebrated annually from Sept. 28 to Oct. 4. The initiative, led by University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, encourages acts of neighboring and celebrates those who make a difference where they live, said David Burton, community development specialist with MU Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

“These honorees represent the very best of what it means to be a neighbor,” Burton said. “The nominations reflect a culture of care that thrives on simple and repeated human actions.”

Judges reviewed the 138 nominations with an emphasis on neighborhood-level impact—how individuals connect with those around them through service, inclusion and relationship-building, he said. Nominees could not be compensated for the service described. Elected officials were not eligible. Preference went to neighbors who strengthen relationships through events, service or consistent acts of care in a neighborhood or small community. Geographic diversity was prioritized.

Due to the quality and quantity of nominations this year, judges could not get the list down to 10, so they agreed to support 20 awards, Burton said. Those selected as Most Engaged Neighbors receive a certificate and a $100 check.

2025 Most Engaged Neighbors Honorees

Ashley Meredith Marks – Ozark, Christian County. Ashley Meredith Marks has used the “engaged neighbor principles” to distinguish herself in a new neighborhood through consistent acts of kindness. She welcomes new neighbors with cookies. She uses neighbors’ names. Her home garden has become a gathering spot for children where she teaches lessons in patience and shares the harvest, sparking family cookouts and friendships. Ashley serves on her homeowners association board and organizes neighborhood events. She makes time to help neighbors with everyday challenges, build friendships and create spaces where people feel included. Her nominator wrote, “Ashley has transformed our neighborhood into a welcoming, vibrant, and connected community.”

Gary Knight – Raymore, Cass County. Gary Knight goes above and beyond for his neighbors. Whether it’s helping with home repair projects, assisting with block parties, keeping an eye out for safety or offering a friendly word, Gary makes his neighborhood a stronger, safer and more connected place to live.

Steve Sawchak – Battlefield, Greene County. Known and loved by everyone on his street, Steve Sawchak embodies the heart of a neighbor. He looks out for families, checks in on older residents, regularly hosts neighborhood get-togethers and brings people together through simple but consistent acts of kindness. His steady presence has helped cultivate a neighborhood where trust and belonging flourish.

Reginald Gatlin – Raytown, Jackson County. Reginald is always there when neighbors need him, especially the elderly. He helps with groceries, rides to appointments, general home repairs and yard work, all without expecting anything in return. His nominator wrote, “Reginald takes care of at least seven families on our block. His generosity and watchful care make him the type of neighbor who gives others confidence and peace of mind, no matter their age or circumstance.”

Michelle Lamb – Antonia, Jefferson County. Often compared to Mister Rogers, Michelle Lamb creates a warm and welcoming environment for everyone in her community. She makes it a priority to connect with others, offering encouragement, friendship and practical support, and occasionally helping to mow a yard. Michelle’s ability to foster genuine neighborly relationships sets her apart as an outstanding example of everyday kindness.

Michael J. Von Gebel – St. Louis City. When a tornado struck, Michael was one of the first to step forward, helping neighbors clean up debris and mow yards to get back on their feet. His willingness to act in times of crisis, and his steady support year-round as president of his neighborhood association, have made him an anchor of resilience and hope for his community. His robust association with a city urban planner has led to development and resources for his neighborhood.

Dennis Book – St. Peters, St. Charles County. Always ready with a helping hand, Dennis Book is the neighbor you can count on in every circumstance. Whether it’s shoveling snow, hauling brush, organizing a block party or stepping up when someone has a need, Dennis models the everyday generosity that makes a neighborhood stronger. His nominator wrote, “Dennis is there to make new neighbors feel welcome (not in a creepy way) and he helped to bring our neighbors together.”

Dennis Bird – Kansas City, Jackson County. Dennis Bird has built a reputation as a steady and dependable neighbor for 40-plus years. From mowing lawns to lending tools and expertise, he finds practical ways to lighten the load for others. His willingness to help everyone in the community has made him an indispensable part of neighborhood life. Once he even helped save a neighbor’s dog from a house fire.

Deborah and Dave Newman – Neosho, Newton County. The Newmans are the kind of neighbors everyone hopes to have. They keep watch over the neighborhood, step in when someone needs help and make sure everyone feels safe and cared for. They help elderly neighbors get to appointments and mow yards for those who cannot afford a lawn service. They go out of their way to welcome new neighbors. They are humble and do not gossip. Their nominator wrote, “I do not know everything they do for others, but I cannot thank them enough for helping to foster trust and belonging in this neighborhood and creating a welcoming community for all.”

Lyndel and Marilyn Bossing – Springfield, Greene County. The Bossings are the heartbeat of their street. From caring for widowed neighbors to hosting neighborhood get-togethers, this husband-and-wife team has created a culture of care that stretches across generations. Their quiet but steady investment in others shows the true impact of engaged neighboring. Their nominator wrote, “They make our street look pretty during different holidays and host fun driveway parties. These two are amazing neighbors and keep everyone active and gregarious.”

Jen Moist – Springfield, Greene County. Always looking for ways to brighten someone’s day, Jen Moist makes neighborliness her mission. She checks in regularly, delivers food or small gifts, helps with yard work and varmint removal, and makes sure no one feels left out. Her nominator wrote, “Her kindness has built a reputation of trust and warmth that uplifts everyone around her.”

Harold Jackson – Lee’s Summit, Cass County. Harold Jackson gives tirelessly of his time and energy, especially to older and more vulnerable neighbors. From errands to yard work, he looks for ways to lighten others’ burdens. His humble spirit and willingness to serve make him a role model for what engaged neighboring is all about.

Charlie Guthrie – Marshall, Saline County. Charlie Guthrie has earned the admiration of his entire community by consistently putting others first. He looks after homes when neighbors are away, helps maintain shared spaces, shovels snow for the elderly and ensures everyone feels welcome. His efforts weave the bonds of trust and belonging that make small towns thrive.

Brent and Julia Davis – Nixa, Christian County. Brent and Julia Davis are shining examples of engaged neighboring. They host block gatherings, support families in need, check on homes when neighbors are away, help with debris removal after storms and constantly look for ways to build connections. Their nominator wrote, “Their teamwork and hospitality reflect the best of what it means to be engaged neighbors. They are the epitome of a good neighbor.”

Jeff Fillpot – Hume, Bates County. Jeff Fillpot was nominated for this award by seven different people. Since 2016, Jeff has been a steady and dependable presence in his small community, creating a food pantry that supports more than 250 families and building and serving in a community greenhouse. He steps up in times of need and brings people together through conversation, encouragement and acts of service. As one nominator wrote, “His leadership in organizing local activities and his constant willingness to help those in need have made him a trusted neighbor. In fact, I believe he embodies the true spirit of a good neighbor.”

Paul and Cathy Wegner – Columbia, Boone County. Paul and Cathy Wegner go out of their way to watch over their neighbors, offering rides, sharing meals and lending a hand with home projects. As their nominator wrote, “Their thoughtful gestures have fostered a neighborhood spirit that has made our cul de sac safer, more caring, and filled with a sense of family. We are so lucky to have them as neighbors!”

David Bennett – Manchester, St. Louis County. David Bennett and his wife extend kindness through constant acts of service in the community. But they also support their neighbors by helping with home repairs and checking in on older residents. They host music events on their porch where David and his friends provide the music. David is known for introducing himself to new neighbors with a $2 bill shaped into a heart. His nominator wrote, “His steady generosity ensures that no one in our Manchester neighborhood ever feels forgotten or alone.”

Darrell Hastings – Aurora, Lawrence County. Darrell Hastings, a retired Air Force veteran, has become a symbol of friendliness and connection. Known as the “neighborhood waver,” he greets school buses and passing cars alike with a smile and a wave from his front yard, reminding everyone daily that simple acts of kindness matter. His consistency creates joy and belonging for all.

Xintong Li – Moberly, Randolph County. Xintong Li works tirelessly to connect neighbors from diverse backgrounds, building trust and understanding across cultural lines. From organizing gatherings to checking in on individuals, he ensures everyone feels they belong. He has even been known to repair things in a local park. His nominator wrote, “Even though his personality is one of being introverted, his upstanding moral character pushes him to make things better wherever he goes! His efforts strengthen the fabric of Randolph County’s community life.”

Robbie Farabee – Excelsior Springs, Clay County. Robbie Farabee lives in an apartment downtown and considers the downtown area his neighborhood. Robbie invests time and care into building connections in Excelsior Springs with a smile and a friendly hello. But it is his sidewalk chalk drawings that have made his community a friendlier and more supportive place to live. His nominator wrote, “Every week, Robbie blesses a neighbor or local business with a sidewalk chalk art greeting that is appropriate to that person or business. Robbie brings people together through his sidewalk chalk art and his friendly nature, and we are blessed to have him!”

About the Most Engaged Neighbors awards

Seventy-two cities/towns were represented in 38 counties were represented in the nominations. Greene County and Christian County tied for the most nominations, with 20 each. One individual was nominated by seven different people.

Neighboring activities noted in nominations fell into four basic categories: Everyday service (such as mowing lawns, shoveling snow, rides to the doctor); hospitality and connection (block parties, porch gatherings, sharing meals, etc.); care for the vulnerable (e.g., checking on elderly, supporting widows, helping after disasters); and consistency, since many nominees are praised not for one big act but for doing small things over and over again.

Research shows that neighborhoods with engaged residents experience greater trust, safety, resilience and a sense of belonging among residents, Burton said. The Most Engaged Neighbors awards are designed to highlight real-life examples of how everyday people make their blocks, streets and communities a better places to live.

Residents across the state are encouraged to plan acts of kindness, organize neighborhood events and share stories at the Missouri Good Neighbor Week website.