Marcia Napier to be honored as Grain Valley Citizen of the Year at September gala

Marcia Napier will be honored this September as Grain Valley's Citizen of the Year. 

Every year, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation invites local mayors to nominate a member of their community to be recognized as their city's Citizen of the Year. The chosen citizens are selected based on their volunteer work, contributions to their city's economic or financial development, leadership in business, and efforts toward promoting a more positive and inclusive community for all.
 
Honorees from each eastern Jackson County community will be recognized at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation's Toast of Our Towns Gala, on Saturday, September 23, at the Sheraton Hotel at Crown Center. 

In its submission to the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, the City of Grain Valley detailed Napier's ongoing commitment to her hometown.

"In every thriving community, there are individuals whose unwavering dedication, selfless spirit, and profound impact make them stand out as beacons of inspiration. These exceptional individuals embody the essence of good citizenship, going above and beyond to uplift their communities and enrich the lives of those around them. The City of Grain Valley takes great pride in celebrating the achievements and contributions of this year's 2023 Grain Valley Truman Heartland Citizen of the Year.
 
Marcia "Marty" Napier serves as a member of the Historical Society, where she volunteers her Wednesdays at the museum - welcoming the public to explore the treasures of our city. Through her profound commitment to the Historical Society, Marty not only enhances the public’s understanding of the past but also serves as an illuminating force for the present and future of the community. In addition to her invaluable contributions to the Grain Valley Historical Society, Marty holds other key positions on various boards, including the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Downtown Grain Valley Board of Directors, the Grain Valley Education Foundation Board, the advisory board for the Grain Valley School District Counseling Department, and was recently a member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Advisory Board (Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove).
 
An advocate for supporting and nurturing community growth, Marty promotes the importance of investing in local businesses. With the momentum of the newly formed Downtown Grain Valley non-profit organization, Marty will play a big factor in the revitalization of Main Street by highlighting the community spirit that continues to help our city thrive.
 
Marty exhibits a deep passion for empowering the youth. Upon retirement, after dedicating thirty years of her career to the field of education, Marty focused her attention on guiding young adults - serving as the house mom for Alpha Gamma Rho. After leaving Mizzou, Marty returned home to Grain Valley where she continues supporting the school district and high school athletic teams. In 2017, she endowed the Napier Football Award, a scholarship bestowed upon a Grain Valley football player selected by the team.
 
Marty's unwavering dedication to excellence and high expectations for her community has garnered her to be recognized as the 2023 Grain Valley Truman Heartland Citizen of the Year."

Marcia Napier will be honored at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation's Gala in September as Grain Valley's Citizen of the Year. File photo