K-State Research and Extension

LUCAS–Lucas, Russell County, has been named a Community of Excellence for 2016-2018 by the Kansas PRIDE program. Lucas PRIDE was one of eleven receiving the honor for its ongoing accomplishments in community development. Lucas joins Grinnell, Gove County, as a PRIDE award winner this year.

The Kansas PRIDE program http://www.kansasprideprogram.ksu.edu/ is a partnership of K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas PRIDE, Inc.

The award is given to local PRIDE volunteer groups that continuously work to improve their communities through activities such as determining the community’s needs, establishing goals, creating projects, and celebrating successes, said Jaime Menon, program manager for the Kansas PRIDE program. Volunteers form a local PRIDE organization that works with K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Commerce to accomplish their goals.

The designation is awarded to a community for a set period of three years.

“The Kansas PRIDE program is a volunteer-led organization, and these awards highlight the hard work the volunteers provide for the State of Kansas,” Menon said. “Each community has its own unique structure, culture, and assets, and Kansas PRIDE volunteers work to bring out the best in their communities and promote what they have to offer. It is through the work of these volunteers that Kansas communities continue to thrive and be a great place to live and raise a family.”

Communities honored with 2016 Community of Excellence awards are Alton, Ashland, Grinnell, Humboldt, Iola, Lakin, Leonardville, Lenora, Lucas, Potwin and Rossville.

As Community of Excellence award winners, they are eligible to apply for Partners in PRIDE matching grants of up to $2,000 to fund future community improvements

More information about the Kansas PRIDE program is available by calling (785) 532-5840 or emailing [email protected] .