2 local men get Jaycees' highest honor

SIKESTON -- Two Scott County men have received the highest international honor that can be given to a Jaycee.

Travis Bickings, nominated by the Oran Jaycees Chapter, and Chris Deen, nominated by the Sikeston Jaycees Chapter, received the prestigious honor of joining the Junior Chamber International Senate.

Deen, 42, who joined the Sikeston Jaycees in 1997, served as novelty chairman for six years before being elected the 2011 rodeo co-chair and 2012 rodeo chairman.

"It's overwhelming and a very humbling experience to know your chapter and friends you've grown up with and been around for so many years think that highly of you to honor you with this award," Deen said. "It's something I thought I'd never see."

Deen also helped organize the Jaycees' Haunted Hayride and car show.

"I go and do -- not for the recognition but because I want to do and need to do," Deen said.

Only one out of 1,000 Jaycees becomes a senator, according to the JCI website.

"It's a great honor," said Bickings, 35. "Senatorship is the highest personal honor that a Jaycee can get."

Bickings has been an Oran Jaycee member since 1997. He has served as chairperson on numerous projects, local chapter president from 2012-2013, Missouri Jaycee Region 8 director from 2013-2014 and is currently serving as Missouri Jaycee state vice president.

For the full story, see today's e-edition.