Education has always been a top priority for Earl Requat. That's why he served an 18-year stint on the Wright City R-II School Board. He wanted the best possible education for his children, grandchildren and other students who valued an education. But his community service doesn't stop there. Requat, a 1957 Wright City High School graduate, was a past board member for the Warren County Ambulance District, spearheaded a local group that raised funds to construct two Interstate 70 ramps and has been an active member of the Wright City Lions Club for 42 years. His service to his community has been as varied as it has been lengthy. On Friday night, Requat was recognized for his involvement as the Wright City Area Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year at the annual Strassenbash festival held at Diekroeger Park. The surprise presentation was made by Chamber President Phil Cartwright. "It was terrific," said Requat, who also served as grand marshal for Saturday's parade. "That is the only word I can use to describe it. I was very honored," he said. "I had no idea that they would ever honor me. I have always done what I could and help out when I can. You have to give back to the community." While noting his service to a host of organizations and recalling the many projects he helped complete, Cartwright said Requat, who farms 1,000 acres, is especially deserving of the award. "This is the man if something needs to be done, especially for kids, he is right there to lend a hand," Cartwright said while introducing Requat. For the interstate project, Requat was instrumental in raising $40,000 locally to get two of the four ramps built on the Wildcat Avenue overpass. State and federal officials contributed the remaining funds, allowing the project to be completed at half of the projected cost, he said, to benefit surrounding schools and spur economic development. "It needed to be done," Requat said. "When it feels right, you must do it." He hopes others take advantage of educational opportunities offered to them. In 1958, he received the American Farming degree, the highest honor an FFA member can receive. At that time, only 12 others in the state had been honored. From that time on, he understood the role education played in one's life. "It's been very interesting, very challenging," Requat said of his time on the school board. "As always, you never have enough money to do what you need to, but you do what you can. "Wright City has developed into a good school system. A lot of the people that go into the teaching profession are dedicated people." Throughout his years of community service, Requat's family has been right by his side. All three of his children live near the family farm, located about eight miles south of Wright City near his birthplace. This week, Requat and his wife celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. "My wife has always helped me," he said. "When I left to go to all these meetings, that left her raising the kids and doing what was left. We always farmed fairly heavy. It was a whole family thing." While trying to figure out how to solve the next project, Requat is thankful for all the help he received from members of the various boards he served on and other community leaders. "I had a lot of good help," he said. "I have lots of friends. You call on them and they are right there."