Modern Woodmen Honors KSD’s Meeghan Masters with Hometown Hero Award

Charitable donation to be made in the district Social Worker’s name

Kearney, Mo., October 16, 2024: The public education team at Kearney School District has long recognized that Lead Social Worker Meeghan Masters is extraordinary; now, that distinction is being recognized by a prominent organization that focuses on supporting families across the nation.

Modern Woodmen of America has selected Mrs. Masters for its Hometown Hero Award. The honor was announced by Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Nicolas Vasquez during a surprise event with dozens of her family members, co-workers and friends yesterday afternoon at the KSD central office.

“Since I started working as a social worker for KSD, I’ve made it my mission to help ensure that every child can have the same kind of experiences and opportunities at school as my children have,” Masters said. “I’m so grateful to Modern Woodmen for this award because it affirms and supports that mission that we are all trying to achieve as a team. This is amazing.”

Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial services society headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. The society’s Hometown Hero program provides an opportunity to honor an individual or volunteer group for their outstanding service to the community or an act of bravery. The award aligns with the organization’s commitment to support social, educational, and volunteer activities that identify and meet local needs.

“I cannot think of a person in our Bulldog community who is more deserving of this award,” said Mr. Vasquez, who also serves as a member of the KSD Board of Education. “Meeghan embodies the true spirit of selfless service that is an example for us all.”

As part of the award, Modern Woodmen will make a $100 charitable donation to the organization or deserving individual of Masters’ choice.

Masters became KSD’s first social worker in October 2015. Since then, the program has expanded to include two other full-time social workers and her elevation as leader of that team.

It’s difficult to encompass the scope of Masters’ work for the district and the community. Her tasks broadly include ensuring that every student’s basic needs are met so that they are in a position to succeed in school. An incomplete list of her efforts includes:

• Helping provide dozens of Kearney High School students with nutritious meals through an on-campus food pantry
• Organizing and running an annual fair to distribute school resources for students in need every summer before the start of classes
• Ensuring that KSD is effectively and efficiently using its roughly $1 million Clay County Children’s Services Fund grant to best support families
• Connecting students with vital mental and emotional support services
• Assisting homeless students

KSD Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Jennifer Kopp is effusive when talking about the positive impact that Masters has across KSD.

“Meeghan is someone who, if there is a kid in need, she will be there to help them, no matter what,” Kopp said. “And she doesn’t just help the students. She will go above and beyond to help the entire family. She’s always available.”

Masters’ commitment to caring extends to her family. She and her husband, Jeremy Masters, have fostered four children over the years, and are raising four, two of whom are adopted. All of their children have developed a similar focus on service, according to Kopp.

“They open their home when there is a need, and their kids have the same spirit,” Kopp said. “Meeghan really is a hero.”

All news media inquiries should be directed to Kearney School District Director of Communications and Community Relations Ray Weikal at [email protected] or (816) 589-1496.

Contact Modern Woodmen of America Financial Representative Nicolas Vasquez at [email protected] or (816) 231-9636. Visit www.modernwoodmen.org to learn more about Modern Woodmen.