By ASHLEY BEASLEY
For The Reporter
For decades, Connie Pearson has devoted her life to serving the Sheridan community. On July 4, Sheridan Events recognized her legacy by naming her the 2026 Sheridan Spark Award recipient.
The Spark Award was created as a way to recognize individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, service, and overall community impact are moving Sheridan forward. Community members submitted nominations, finalists were selected by the Sheridan Events Committee, and the public voted for their Spark Award recipient during Sheridan’s 4th of July celebration, casting votes with pocket change for their favorite nominee.
Pearson’s nominations painted an inspiring picture of a person completely dedicated to her town and the people in it, reflecting decades spent shaping Sheridan through both public leadership and quiet acts of volunteerism. She has served as Sheridan’s Clerk-Treasurer and as a member of the Town Council while also volunteering with the Sheridan Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, and many other local organizations.
Connie has mentored Rotary exchange students, led youth programs, coordinated community meals, and quietly volunteered behind the scenes wherever help was needed. She was described by her nominators as someone who serves without seeking recognition, and whose focus on the Sheridan community has touched generations of residents. Sheridan Events believes that the impact of Connie’s service can be felt throughout the community.
This year’s finalists also included Cindy Keever and Sharon and Randy Brimberry, whose dedication to a strong community can be seen through their many combined years of service.
Pearson thanked the Sheridan Events Committee for the honor and emphasized that community events are never the work of one person alone. She said she accepted the award “on behalf of the community of Sheridan.”
Sheridan Main Street, Inc. President Cindy Keever reflected on Pearson’s recognition.
“I am so excited to see the introduction of the Spark Award,” Keever said. “Sheridan is experiencing an exciting period of resurgence driven by the volunteer efforts of many long-time and newer residents. Connie is the ideal representation of the love and commitment that has long been and still is a hallmark of this community.”
Sheridan Events congratulates Connie Pearson on receiving the 2026 Sheridan Spark Award, and extends its appreciation to finalists Cindy Keever and Sharon and Randy Brimberry. The committee also thanks everyone who submitted nominations, participated in the community vote, and helped shine a well-deserved light on the people who help make Sheridan a wonderful place to live.
Connie Pearson has always been the best person representing Sheridan at its best. This talented lady has served as an ambassador of good will for many years and always willing to lead in a positive way. In addition, Connie is such an humble person who is an ideal family role model as well as a faithful servant.
I lived in Sheridan for 35 years. Connie was one of the first persons that I got to know well. We worked in the church nursery together quite a lot. She was always friendly helpful, kind, a really good person. She definitely deserved this award.