Serviam means “I will serve” in Latin.

It is the motto of Ursuline Academy and alumna Alice Leonatti’s guiding principle.

Leonatti was honored for the many ways in which she serves her community with the Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce banquet Feb. 20.

“This is a wonderfully unexpected honor,” Leonatti said. “I am grateful, I am humbled, but it’s not because of anything that I have done; it’s because of the people who have come before me and set the tone.”

Leonatti was selected based on more than 50 years of service, which includes her roles as president and voter service chair of the Mexico/Audrain County League of Women Voters; president of GFWC Mexico Women’s Club from 1978 to 1979; and co-president of the Mexico High School PTSA. She is also a Meals on Wheels volunteer, a member of the Wednesday Club and a contributor to Walk Back in Time.

Since 2021, Leonatti has served as executive director of Miss Missouri.

“For one week out of the year, we have hundreds of extra people coming to Mexico, staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, shopping at Walmart, but the sales tax revenue before and the week after is always lower than the week of Miss Missouri,” she said.

The Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award encompasses more than just volunteer work, extending to exceptional efforts on behalf of the community. As a former educator who once received grants from the A+ for Mexico Education program, Leonatti has been serving on the board since her retirement. She is currently the grant coordinator.

“To this date, over three-quarters of a million dollars have been given in grants to Mexico teachers by this organization,” she said. “It’s all raised locally — that’s what Mexico does.”

Leonatti was honored with proclamations from elected dignitaries including State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin and State Rep. Kent Haden, which were presented by Audrain County Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders. On behalf of Mayor Steve Haag and the City of Mexico, Chairman Chris Miller also proclaimed Feb. 20, 2026 to be a day to honor Leonatti.

Along with Leonatti, a number of community members were recognized for their contributions. Jake Clayton was the recipient of the G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award for his role in sharing Mexico’s story through his music and numerous achievements. Jaye Jackson received the Civic Award for her numerous leadership roles and contributions to Mexico through the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration. John Graham, of Callaway Fields and J. Marshall, shared the Excellence in Tourism Award with Theresa and Paul Ridgeway of Summit Events for their roles in Mexico’s tourism development. Jim Hickman was honored with the Philanthropic Achievement Award for his lifelong contributions to the children of the community. Melody Farnen, owner of Melody’s Quality Jewelry, received the President’s Award for her donations and volunteerism that contribute to Mexico’s economic growth. And Michelle Crawford was named Educator of the Year for her commitment to the excellence of her students as a kindergar-
ten teacher.

The meeting was led by Logan Ray, incoming president of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce who was formally presented with the gavel by Matt Gowin, immediate past president.

“Looking forward to this year, I am extremely excited for the work and opportunities that are in front of us,” Ray said. “I feel like we have an amazing group of leaders currently serving on our board and that we all share a common goal in mind — how to make Mexico, Missouri, a better place for our community members, for our business owners and for everyone to thrive in.”

Ray, in turn, presented Gowin with a president’s plaque in honor of his service.

“Our community has faced many challenges and setbacks over the years but the people of this town and our Chamber of Commerce have never looked back and looked away from a challenge,” he said.