On Thursday evening, November 21, four Hackett residents were honored with a Model Citizen Award.
Hackett Hornet’s Nest founders Todd and Renee Johnson, and Kevin and Kim Henry were presented with a certificate and medal by Mayor Trini Harper.
Harper said, “…the City of Hackett is proud to recognize a group of individuals for their combined effort in creating the Hornet’s Nest…Roughly one year ago, Renee Johnson, Todd Johnson, Kim Henry and Kevin Henry came together after realizing that the youth in the community did not have a place to go where they could interact with one another outside of school. Due to the rising depression of youth in the community and believing that some of the depression derived from boredom, this group began to devise a plan to create a community center for them. This group made it possible for them to procure a building, donations of video games, table games, board games, movies, books and other community center necessities. Without their time and effort, the creation of the Hornet’s Nest would not have been possible.”
Their vision became a reality on October 1, when the Hornet’s Nest opened their doors. Since that time, the youth center has faithfully welcomed area kids and provided them a place to belong.
The two couples donate much of their time to the youth center, staffing and working to ensure that it is a safe, and fun environment. Because of their dedication, Harper stated, “the award was given as a small token of the city’s appreciation for all that they have done and continue to do for our community.”
