Organization shines ‘Bright’ at event
■ Bright Futures USA held its fourth annual conference last week at JBU.
Bright Futures USA held its fourth annual national conference on the John Brown University campus last week. Both the Siloam Springs and Lincoln school districts received recognition during the organization’s awards banquet on Thursday night.
Bright Futures USA is a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring community partnerships that open a way for all children to learn, lead and serve, according to a press release from the organization.
More than 560 people attended the three-day conference, held on Wednesday through Friday, March 1-3, and another 250 attended the “Evening of Champions” awards banquet on Thursday evening, according to Kim Vann, executive director for the national organization.
Bright Futures Siloam Springs, which is less than a year old, was recognized as one of three finalists for the Bright Futures Spotlight award during the banquet. The award acknowledges communities that utilize high-quality communication and marketing strategies with the Bright Futures brand to shine the spotlight on the mission of Bright Futures. The final award went to Clinton, Mo.
Bright Futures Lincoln also received recognition during the banquet. Courtney Cox of Lincoln tied with Eva Moore of Pleasant Hill, Mo., for the Community Champion award. Lincoln was also a finalist for the Affiliate of the Year award, which ultimately went to Harrisonville, Mo.
Bright Futures USA partnered with the Soderquist Center for Leadership Ethics to bring the conference to John Brown University. The national conference was moved to Siloam Springs this year to give it room to expand and