The Adair County Community Voice is seeking nominations for the 2025 “20 Under 40 Class.”
The 20 Under 40 class will recognize the success of local individuals under the age of 40 who live or are from Adair County.
The Voice held its first event in 2019, starting with a 20 Under 30 class. The scope for eligible nominees was later broadened, and the program became 20 Under 40 and is held every two years.
This year will include some changes as well, with the Adair County FBLA joining in the effort to recognize our local young leaders.
“For the first time, we are hosting the Adair County Community Voice/Adair County FBLA 20 Under 40 Class,” said Sharon Burton, Voice publisher. “We welcome J.R. Thompson and his students as our co-hosts. These young students will bring a whole new perspective to the project and will be involved in every aspect, from choosing the recipients to speaking during the banquet to honor the recipients.”
Burton approached Thompson about involving FBLA students in the program, and he was quick to say yes. The first meeting has already been held and students are ready to help organize the nominations, select winners, prepare a special publication recognizing the recipients, and perhaps most important, be part of the evening banquet held to honor the 20 recipients.
“FBLA students from Adair County High School are excited to bring professionalism, creativity, and a strong work ethic to the planning and execution of the upcoming ‘20 under 40’ project,” Thompson said. “Their involvement highlights the value of student leadership while connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences that celebrate the amazing leaders of our community.”
While the 20 Under 40 awards are not presented for specific categories, winners are chosen to cover an array of interests in the community, such as art and style, education, entertainment, sports and athletics, business and finance, food and drink, agriculture, multimedia and communications, music, and business and commerce.
“We want to recognize a group of our citizens who are innovators but may fail to earn the spotlight they deserve,” said Burton. “Nominees may be part of our business community, they may have an incredible talent they share with others, or they could give of themselves through volunteering or other ways of contributing to society. They can be business leaders or still in high school; if they deserve a nomination we encourage you to tell us about them.”
Nominations can come from anyone. Simply fill out the nomination form on this page or follow the link on adairvoice.com to fill out an online form. Deadline for nominations is June 20 and the banquet will be held in July.
