Kent Zickfield will receive the Spirit of America award Wednesday

Editor's note: The name of James Harnes Sr. has been corrected.

Cape Girardeau's Kent Zickfield has been dedicated to helping his community, his country and his fellow citizens nearly his entire life.

"You do the things you do for your community because you love your community. It's never for the recognition," Zickfield said.

Zickfield has served in the Missouri National Guard, owns and operates Zickfield's Jewelry and Gifts in downtown Cape Girardeau, is an active member of the Noon Optimist organization and serves his city on the Old Town Cape board of directors.

For Zickfield's outstanding service and dedication to his community, he will receive this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award. He will be given the award at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Arena Park grandstand immediately before the demolition derby event. In conjunction with the award, a $1,000 donation will be given to the charity or organization of Zickfield's choice. Zickfield said the money will go to the Old Town Cape organization that advocates for downtown business.

"I'm a firm believer in that which Old Town Cape is trying to accomplish," Zickfield said. "Downtown Cape has given me so much more than what I've been able to give to it. It was a very tough choice -- there are so many great charities and organizations out there to choose from," he explained.

Zickfield has been working at Zickfield's Jewelry and Gifts since 1967 and took over complete operation of the family business from his parents in 1980. He has been a key member in the push to revitalize downtown Cape Girardeau.

Somehow, Zickfield also finds time to promote local youth activities, including soccer, baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball through lending his time as a coach and supporter. Additionally, Zickfield is a leader of both the Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland and Cape Girardeau's Boy Scout Troop 8 as well as a merit badge counselor. An active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Zickfield serves as the Trinity Lutheran Church Day School Board of Education chairman.

"It's always a difficult decision, but Kent Zickfield stood out for his longtime selfless service across a broad range of categories," said Jon K. Rust, publisher of the Southeast Missourian. "From assisting youth to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, his church, National Guard service and various economic development organizations, he has been a quiet and yet effective leader motivated by doing good and not public recognition.

"That's the kind of American spirit that makes this country great."

Established in 2003, the Spirit of America award is given out annually by the Southeast Missourian. Candidates can be nominated by either individuals or organizations, along with a statement of why the person exemplifies the Spirit of America. The award goes to the individual whose character and community service best embodies the Spirit of America -- qualities like patriotism, dedication to community improvement, loyalty, charity and entrepreneurial spirit. Winners are formally recognized each Fourth of July. Past recipients are David Hitt in 2011, Rob Callahan in 2010, Harry Rediger in 2009, Jane Randol Jackson in 2008, James Harnes Sr. in 2007, Neal Edwards in 2006, Melvin Gateley in 2005, Dr. Dan Cotner in 2004 and John "Doc" Yallaly in 2003.

Zickfield was nominated by the Old Town Cape organization.

"He never hesitates to take a leadership role in anything he's involved with," said Marla Mills, director of Old Town Cape. "That's important to me. It makes him stand out."

Mills said she has known Zickfield for six years, but he's been an active business owner and benefactor of downtown Cape Girardeau for much longer.

"He has worked for many years with youth at all levels. He realizes they're our future," Mills explained.

Zickfield considers downtown Cape Girardeau his home. He began working there at 15, he said, and has played an active part in downtown Cape Girardeau's revitalization.

Zickfield said he's always been dedicated to getting more interest in downtown Cape Girardeau.

"It's really turned into a great place for shopping, dining and entertainment," Zickfield said.

Mills said she was proud to see Zickfield win the award.

"Kent is very concerned with giving youth opportunities," Mills said. "And not just youth -- he's dedicated to making this community a better place for everyone in any way he can."

rovermann@semissourian.com

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO