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| Schierman nominated for KC Spirit Award |
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| News | |||
| Written by Jesse Trimble | |||
| Wednesday, 23 December 2009 08:00 | |||
Shelly Schierman just does what she loves.  She never expected to be nominated for the 29th-annual Kansas City Spirit Awards by several of her friends in the Louisburg community this year. The Spirit Awards, which benefit the Gillis Center, are given out each year to residents in the Kansas City metro area who are shining examples of community service and volunteer efforts. The award has been presented to 185 individuals in the past 28 years. The Gillis Center was founded in 1870 and has been helping children and their families ever since. The school, which provides services to the needy and distressed, uses a system focused on family care. Schierman, owner of the Louisburg Cider Mill with her husband, Tom, has been working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for a year. When she joined, she said, she was paired with the perfect kid, but she is currently waiting to be a Big Sister again. On top of making sure that the root beer and cider doughnuts are made to perfection, Schierman has welcomed seven exchange students into her home from 1993 to 2005. “It was so much fun,” she said. “I would love to do it again.” She also serves on the Paola USD 368 Board of Education. However, she said she feels undeserving of the Spirit Award nomination. “I am really, really honored. It’s so touching,” she said, adding that she was moved to tears when she read the letters of recommendations from friends in the community. “I really do like to volunteer when and where I can, but I still don’t feel as though I’m doing anything extraordinary,” Schierman said. Former award winner and current judge Retia Grant nominated Schierman after spending time with her at the Cider Mill. Grant has her own booth at the mill every year and said she has gotten to know Schierman well over the years. “I just watched Shelly as a person — I’m a people watcher — and she impressed me before I knew I could nominate her.” Grant said, noting that Schierman and her husband represent an old way of life in how they run their business, while everyone else tries to make things faster, better and newer. “When the kids would go out there and pick up the biggest pumpkin and then drop it, she was there helping kids get another one,” Grant said. As a mother, Grant said, she recognized Schierman’s motherly qualities when working with her employees and exchange students. “The younger generation is our future,” she said, “and I think the way a child is taught to work really comes through when they grow up and adds to their work ethics. She’s a true loving mom.” Winners of the Spirit Awards will be announced in April.
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