John Mesh became a Kansas City household name last year, as he and Larry Leggio paid the ultimate sacrifice during a fire. Alvin Brooks has dedicated his life to fighting crime and standing up for neighborhoods in the entire Kansas City metro. Sgt. Corey Carlisle has saved many lives on the streets in Kansas City, and does so without second thought. Carol McClure’s passion for a thriving community is seen in her diligent work through the Southern Communities Coalition.

These and a dozen more community activists were honored at this week’s South Kansas City Alliance Awards Breakfast. Brooks had the audience laughing as he accepted his award in typical Brooks fashion. The entire gymnasium was brought to their feet in tearful recognition as Mesh’s wife, Felicia, accepted the Outstanding Public Safety Service Award on her late husband’s behalf.

Countless volunteer hours, tremendous community spirit and overwhelming generosity is what makes South Kansas City thrive, and the individuals recognized and nominated this week are more than deserving. They are the heartbeat and the backbone of a community that refuses to back down.

South Kansas City is on the brink of greatness. With all of the development opportunities before us, and all of the passionate, dedicated people working behind the scenes, I’m inspired each and every day to go to work telling the good news of what is happening in our neck of the woods.