The Good

Some projects don't happen in the spotlight. They happen under the Oklahoma sun. This summer, Shawnee Middle School student Kellan Neely spent his own time giving back to Will Rogers Elementary by staining the school's picnic tables and benches. It was a scorching hot day, but Kellan stayed with the job from start to finish, determined to make sure it was done right. By the time he finished, he was absolutely drenched in sweat, but because of his hard work, Will Rogers studen

Story originally published in the August 2026 issue of Shawnee Outlook A woman at a local Shawnee care facility had just been done up with makeup and styled hair when a staff member walked in, looked at her, and joked that she didn't recognize her. The woman didn't miss a beat. "My name's Miss America," she said. She was ready for her glamour shot session. It was a small exchange, but for Kelly Brown, founder of the Rose Colored Lens Foundation, it captures exactly what she's