A new awards program launched by the regional cultural project Ozarks Alive will recognize people and organizations dedicating their time, talent and resources to preserving local culture.
The initiative, dubbed the Rock Picking Awards, draws its name from the historically labor-intensive task of clearing stones from rural Ozarks fields. Organizers noted that much like literal rock picking, cultural preservation work is often unglamorous and performed behind the scenes, yet remains crucial to understanding the region's past and future.
“I see so many individuals and groups doing great work, largely behind the scenes, to share our region’s story – and many without much recognition,” said Kaitlyn McConnell, founder of Ozarks Alive. “The Rocking Picking Awards are designed to highlight these people who are devoted to causes and are making a difference in how we see our region’s story and history.”
Nominations are open through June 15 and can be submitted online at www.ozarksalive.com/rock-picking-awards.
Members of the public may nominate any deserving person or organization across several categories, including historical preservation, creative arts, music and community building. Once the nomination window closes, nominees will receive a formal application to complete. A panel of regional judges will then evaluate the applications to select the 2026 honorees.
The winners will be recognized during a celebration event in November at the Library Center's Hatch Auditorium in Springfield. Corporate sponsors supporting the inaugural program include Century Bank of the Ozarks, The Shepherd of the Hills and the Story House Bookstore.
Founded by McConnell in 2015, Ozarks Alive is a cultural preservation multimedia project that documents regional history and contemporary culture. Since its inception, the project has produced hundreds of features on Ozarks people and places, and has led to the publication of three books. Its most recent release is “The Ozarks Pie Project Diary,” which explores local culinary culture alongside 48 vintage recipes.
