The Nebraska City Community Foundation selected Carol Crook as philanthropist of the year during the community street dance Saturday night.

Kathy Kaufman, News-Press publications director, nominated Crook.  "Carol has been a positive, active member of the Nebraska City community who has had an impact in the lives of many community members, especially the youth," Kaufman said.

Crook, an Otoe County commissioner who helps on the family farm south of Nebraska City, has previously been involved with the U.S. soybean board and national pork council.

She is a former Girl Scout volunteer, Sunday school teacher and currently leads the middle school youth group at her church.

She has served as a Study Buddy with Partners for Otoe County and is a sponsor for the Youth and Adults in Action leadership group.

"As a regular substitute teacher she connects with middle school and high school students and genuinely cares about them," Kaufman said.

She said Crook has opportunity to promote Nebraska City to the many visitors at Arbor Day Farm, where she serves as a tour guide.

"All of this she does without looking to bring glory to herself. If you define philanthropy as being one who gives to their community, I'd suggest that Carol Crook fits the definition," Kaufman said.

Former philanthropy award winners were Stacie Higgins and Brad Kingery. Crook was presented a $500 check to forward to the charity of her choice.

Foundation scholarships were awarded to Marilyn Belding to attend the nursing program at Bellevue University, Jessica Crunk to achieve a nursing degree at Southeast Community College and Brittany Kurtzer for her education at the University of Phoenix's accounting program.

Scholarships were also awarded to Susan McGowen, who is pursuing a health management degree at Bellevue University, and Trever Roberts, who is seeking is construction management degree at ITT Technical Institute.