Organizations, individuals honored at Live United Awards

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – More than 270 southern Kentucky residents joined United Way of Southern Kentucky last night for the Live United Awards at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.

53 awards were presented to individuals and organizations who further the mission of United Way, including one mother who turned her life around.

President and CEO for United Way Debbie Hills coined last night’s event a celebration of outstanding efforts, as companies like Fruit of the Loom, Logan Aluminum and Trace Die Cast were awarded for their selflessness.

Trace Die Cast was given the premier award of the year, the Live United Award for Increased Giving and Exceptional Volunteer Participation.

The final award of the night, the Shooting Star Award, was given to Kiosha Owens, a mother of six who dropped out of school at 15 but worked hard until recently passing the GED exam on the first try and enrolling in Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Along with The Foundry, who helps her and her kids, Kiosha credits perseverance.