Newton professionals recognized with YP of the Year awards

The Young Professionals of Jasper County had a lot to be proud of with both Jessica Lowe and Nathan Unsworth receiving Young Professional of the Year awards. The duo was awarded during the 2016 Central Iowa YP of the Year awards ceremony on Feb. 9 hosted at Sticks, Inc. in Des Moines.

Lowe, executive director of the United Way of Jasper County, won the YPC Ashley Oakland Community Service Award. The award is given to a YP who exemplified the volunteerism and spirit of the late YPC board member.

“Winning this Ashley Oakland Community Service Award and having the opportunity to represent my community is a humbling honor. I am so thankful for the opportunities that Jasper County has given me.” Lowe said. “I’m dedicated to giving back to my community that has given me so much.”

Lowe is involved in a variety of community activities and organization including volunteer and donor at St. Nick’s Christmas Club, marketing volunteer for the Jasper County Conservation Board, co-chair of Newton Fest and vice president of the Friends of Newton Parks.

Unsworth was awarded with the YPC Amy Jennings YP Impact Award. The award is given to a young professional who demonstrates a dedication to creating a vibrant community that attracts and retains your professions.

“It was a huge honor to be one of the four award winners. It was even better to represent Newton and to share this moment with my good friend, Jessica Lowe,” Unsworth said. “I am really proud of what all the Young Professionals are accomplishing in and around Jasper County, and excited to see us receive regional recognition. Young Professionals have the unique ability to make an impact in Central Iowa, and I am so happy to see people seize that opportunity.”

Along with his career as the administrative park superintendent for the City of Newton, Unsworth spends countless hours volunteering with organizations such as the Newton Wellness Coalition, Jasper County Pheasants Forever, Red Pride Service Day, Project AWAKE, Friends of Newton Parks, co-chair of Newton Fest and is the current YPJC president.

Lowe and Unsworth competed against two finalists in the respective divisions for the awards. Also, for the first time, the public was able to cast a vote to help decide the winners.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com