Carl Junction senior receives Missouri Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship

(From Carl Junction Schools)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recognizes Carl Junction Senior Hali Shorter for receiving the 2023 Missouri Award for Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship.

This award is based on exemplary civic actions, academic achievement, extracurricular leadership, and community service.

While at Carl Junction High School, Shorter played varsity basketball all four years and was team captain for three years, she served on the student council for four years and is the current Student Body President. 

She has also been active in National Art Honor Society, National Business Honor Society, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Service Learning Philanthropy Club, and Video Productions. Outside of school, Shorter has been involved with the youth at her church, helped with blood drives and Special Olympics events, and volunteered at Fostering Hope Ministries.

Shorter plans to attend Pittsburg State University, pursuing a career in Nursing. Carl Junction High School Teacher Terry Higgins nominated her for this honor. She is the daughter of Brad and Alicia Shorter.

Shorter is the sixteenth Carl Junction Senior in a row who has received this honor. Mr. Terry Higgins has sponsored and advised all sixteen of these students.

2008 Elizabeth Knutzen
2009 Austin Osborn
2010 Nii (Kpakpo) Abrahams
2011 John Baughman
2012 Miranda Elliston
2013 J.W. Keckley

2014 Lauren Wilbert
2015 Sarah Veri
2016 Dallas Elliston
2017 Chase Boyd
2018 Jera White
2019 Maici Craig
2020 Lance Ward
2021 Alex Baker
2022 Maggie Brown
2023 Hali Shorter

Missouri Outstanding Citizenship Award

In 1989 legislation was passed by the General Assembly to recognize outstanding achievement in citizenship. Beginning with the 1990-91 school year and each year after that, each school district maintaining a high school may annually nominate to the state board of education a student who has demonstrated knowledge of the principles of government and citizenship through academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities and service to the community. 

Annually, the state board of education shall select a maximum of 15 students from those nominated by the local school districts and shall recognize and award them for their academic achievement, participation, and service. 

Students will also be recognized by the American Bar Association’s Civics and Law Honor Roll for their commitment to civic learning and engagement.” Each year the Award winners and sponsor will attend a luncheon in Jefferson City, Missouri, to be recognized and presented with a plaque for their achievement.