Licking Head Start celebrates Head Start Awareness Month
Photo by Shari Harris
Attending the special presentation were, from left, Rose Jett, Licking Head Start Cook; Tori Bradshaw, Family Advocate at Licking Head Start; Hilary Thomas, Lead Teacher at Licking Head Start; Sarah Akers, OAI Board Member; Travis Maddox, Texas County Emergency Response Director; Scott Ogden, Mayor, City of Licking; Pastor Paul Richardson; Sheena Postlewait, Center Manager; State Representative Bennie Cook; Terry Sanders, OAI Executive Director; Johnna Cook, Texas County Health Department; and Angie Kinder, OAI Head Start Director.
In honor of Head Start Awareness Month, a special presentation was held at Licking Head Start on Monday, October 20.
State Representative Bennie Cook attended the ceremony and presented the staff of Licking Head Start with a resolution recognizing their commitment to educating children in the community with the Head Start program. Rep. Cook also presented a U.S. Flag and a Missouri Flag which had been flown over the Capitol Building.
Pastor Paul Richardson, of Licking Assembly of God, offered an invocation during the ceremony.
Licking Mayor Scott Ogden also honored the staff with a proclamation recognizing Head Start Awareness Month and celebrating 60 years of Head Start service. The month of October 2025 was designated Head Start Awareness Month in the City of Licking, Missouri, and the proclamation encourages “all citizens to join in celebrating 60 years of Head Start – honoring the dedicated staff, families, and community partners who continue to make this program a beacon of hope and opportunity for our youngest learners.”
The Licking Head Start program is managed by Sheena Postlewait, who also manages the Houston Head Start. Ozark Action, Inc. (OAI), operates the Head Start programs in the area.
