Thursday, May 21, 2009

A Salina dad has been selected "Father of the Year" by the National Head Start Association.

Nick Clayson -- a lawn service worker and father of three -- was honored by the national organization for his work with Heartland Healthy Families Early Head Start. Clayson was also named Head Start state and regional father of the year.

Clayson heads the local Head Start Father's Club, which encourages fathers to participate in regular activities with their children. Clayson said he goes on field trips and tries to help children in the program in any way he can.

Two of Clayson's kids, six-year-old Neena and five-year-old Nick, are enrolled in Heartland programs.

Heartland dietitian and nutritionist Roxanne Bell was the winner of the national organization's 2009 scholarship award for educating families on healthy and thrifty eating.