EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (October 23, 2025) Clay County leaders are kicking off a major effort to strengthen civic engagement as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. The initiative, known as Clay County 250, celebrated an important milestone this week with the presentation of its first Citizen Challenge Coin to a local student.
The recognition took place during the Gladstone City Council meeting on Monday evening, where 14-year-old Zakk Ryser, a student at Antioch Middle School, became the first participant to complete the county’s new 250 Citizen Challenge.
A Countywide Call to Civic Engagement
America will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Clay County 250 is a volunteer-led effort designed to encourage residents to learn more about the nation’s history, reflect on the future, and take positive steps toward becoming more informed and active citizens.
To promote that mission, the Citizen Challenge invites Clay County residents to complete a series of activities between now and July 2026. These activities include attending a public meeting, taking the U.S. Citizenship Test, writing or meeting with a public official, voting in an upcoming election, and participating in other meaningful civic experiences. Those who complete the challenge receive a commemorative Citizen Challenge Coin.
A Teen Leading the Way
Ryser said the challenge helped him feel more connected to his community.
“When I first heard about the 250 Citizen Challenge, I thought it sounded really cool, something I could actually take part in,” Ryser said. “Being able to do something that connects people across Clay County was exciting. It made me feel like I could be part of something bigger instead of just watching from the sidelines.”
Ryser hopes his involvement encourages others to take part in the challenge as well.
“Being the first person to complete the 250 Citizen Challenge feels really good,” he said. “I hope it inspires other people to try it too. It is a great way to learn about your country, your community, and yourself.”
Leaders Hope to Inspire 250 Participants
Clay County 250 Chairman Scott Wagner said the challenge reflects the pride residents feel for their community and their country.
“This effort was brought forth by citizens who love our country and want to see greater engagement by our citizens in it,” Wagner said. “We hope to see more than 250 of our fellow residents take up this challenge and create a meaningful legacy for the future. It is fitting that the first recipient is a young person who represents the future of this county and this country.”
The program is sponsored in partnership with Missouri Humanities and supported by the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.
How Excelsior Springs Residents Can Participate
The challenge is open to all Clay County residents, including those in Excelsior Springs. Anyone interested can find the full list of activities and sign up at ClayCounty250.org/citizen-challenge.
More information about Clay County 250 and events leading up to America’s 250th anniversary is available at ClayCounty250.org.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
