Richard Sessler Receives 2026 Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award
Richard Sessler was surprised with the 2026 Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award at the Cultural Alliance event on October 15 in recognition of his longstanding leadership and volunteer service with the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra.
For the past 24 years, Sessler has played an instrumental role in the orchestra’s success through grant writing, fundraising, partnership development, and other efforts that support the organization’s mission. His dedication has helped expand access to music and educational opportunities throughout Muscatine County. Among these efforts is the Howe Young Artist Competition, which provides scholarships and performance opportunities for young musicians.
In addition to the recognition, the Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award includes a $1,500 stipend to support a charitable cause of the recipient’s choice. Sessler has chosen the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra as the beneficiary, further supporting the organization to which he has dedicated more than two decades of service.
The Shirley Jean Drake Great Initiative Award was established by the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine to honor its inaugural recipient, Shirley Jean Drake, a longtime Community Foundation Board member who left a legacy of meaningful initiatives across the community, county, and state. The award continues to recognize individuals whose cheerful, ethical, and inspirational determination makes a lasting difference.
The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine congratulates Sessler on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued commitment to the arts and the Muscatine community.
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