HCF Presents Community Awards
The Halstead Community Foundation concluded its 12 Days of Christmas in July with the Tinsel & Cheer Community Celebration on Tuesday, July 21, where it honored Claire Clifford as the 2026 Volunteer of the Year and Myrla Haury as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year.
The annual awards celebrate individuals whose service, generosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Halstead community.
Claire Clifford Named Volunteer of the Year
Communities thrive because of people who willingly give their time and talents to make life better for others, and Claire Clifford embodies that spirit of service.
As Halstead High School’s vocal music and drama teacher, Clifford inspires students every day. What sets her apart, however, is her commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. She continually finds meaningful ways for students to engage with the community, plans enriching educational experiences – including leading a group of 30 students to New York City to perform – and encourages every student to discover and achieve their full potential.
Her dedication to Halstead continues long after the school day ends. Clifford leads a thriving summer youth theater program, works tirelessly on the Old Settlers Committee, is an active member of P.E.O. Chapter AK and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it is needed.
Through her leadership, creativity and servant’s heart, Clifford has enriched the lives of countless young people while helping strengthen the fabric of the Halstead community.
Myrla Haury Named Philanthropist of the Year
Philanthropy is about more than financial giving. It is about investing in people, believing in your community and inspiring others to make a difference.
For more than two decades, Myrla Haury has lived out those values through her unwavering commitment to Halstead. She has shared her time, talents and resources with countless organizations, including the Kansas Learning Center for Health, where she has served on both the board and gala committee. She is a longtime member of the Halstead Lions Club and P.E.O. Chapter JH, has faithfully served on numerous committees within the Halstead United Methodist Church, represents Halstead on the Central Kansas Community Foundation Board and currently serves on the Halstead Community Foundation Board, where she has played an instrumental role in the foundation’s successful match month campaigns over the past three years.
Haury is known not only for her own generosity, but also for her ability to inspire others to give. Whether organizing a fundraiser, championing a community project or quietly supporting a worthwhile cause, she consistently works to ensure local organizations have the resources they need to succeed. As more than one person has said, “you can’t tell her no.”
In 2024, Haury and her husband established a public charitable fund through HCF to benefit the Halstead United Methodist Church. The fund has since become a successful model, inspiring other organizations in the community to establish lasting charitable funds of their own.
Celebrating Community Leadership
The Volunteer of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year awards recognize individuals whose dedication strengthens local organizations, inspires others to serve and helps build a stronger future for Halstead.
“Claire and Myrla exemplify the generosity, leadership and spirit that make our community so special,” said Macey Mueller, HCF associate director. “Their willingness to invest in others has created a ripple effect that will continue to benefit Halstead for years to come.”