The third group of Barton County young professionals, known as the “Great Bend Tribune’s 20 Under 40 Award,” has been nominated, selected and ready to be unveiled. 

Tribune Publisher Judy Duryee is the founder of this program and she will present the group to the public at the Final Fridays on Forest event at the Great Bend Alive Plaza this Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.

The program recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, community involvement and professionalism. This year’s 20 Under 40 nominees feature entrepreneurs, health-care workers, accountants, and more, highlighting those who make significant contributions to our communities everyday.

“Great Bend and Barton County is fortunate to have so many great, young people living here,” Duryee said. “I saw there was a need to recognize the young people that live here, or have moved moved back. These people have all taken on leadership roles and are very active in volunteering.”

This year Duryee came up with the idea to expand the group to include seniors - appropriately naming it “Seniors Making a Difference”. 

“We have honored the younger generation but I felt we also have some amazing seniors in the area,” she said. “I wanted to help bridge the gap between the younger generation of leaders and volunteers, and introduce them to seniors that were in their places not that long ago. My goal is to get them together to share new ideas and old ideas, alike. I’m hoping to facilitate conversation between generations. There is so much knowledge that could be shared.”

To become a member of these groups, one must be nominated by someone who respects their abilities, initiatives and accomplishments. The collection of nominations is then presented to a selection committee made up of community members or past recipients of the 20 Under 40 award.