The 15th Alexander Doniphan Community Service & Leadership Award was presented to attorney Jerome “Jerry” E. Brant during a special ceremony April 27, 2026, at the Woodneath Library Center Auditorium.

The program included a tribute to Doniphan, who was a 19th-century Clay County lawyer, a Brigadier General in the State Militia, a Missouri legislator, and one of the founders of William Jewell College.

Also recognized and presented with the $1,000 Doniphan Scholarship was Liberty High School senior Sophia Grote who read her essay, “America 250.”

Allen Jones, co-chair of the Alexander W. Doniphan Community Service and Leadership Foundation, said Alexander Doniphan should inspire, “Not because he was perfect, but because when the moment came, when it truly mattered, he chose courage over comfort, principle over popularity and justice over obedience.”

Jones continued, “And that is why it is especially meaningful to recognize Jerry Brant. Because the qualities we admire in Alexander Doniphan: skill, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to doing what is right are not just found in history books. They are found in the leader we honor today.”

In introducing Brant, attorney Rodney Ames suggested that Brant and Doniphan would have been kindred spirits.

“Jerry is one of the greatest lawyers I know,” said Ames. “I have discovered that the center of Jerry is a peacemaker. He’s not eager to disagree. He is someone who is very positive and optimistic about life and what good can happen.”

The award ceremony included the presentation of a bronze bust of Alexander Doniphan, and a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives.

Receiving it was a very special honor said Brant. “I’m just a local guy who’s tried to practice the law well in this town. I’ve had the great support of my wife, Lorriane of 42 years, who had my back all the time.”

He also praised his staff and fellow attorneys in his law firm, Withers, Brant, Igoe & Mullennix, P.C., for their help and support. “I couldn’t do it on my own. It takes your community to help you accomplish things.”

He pointed out that the first recipient of the Alexander W. Doniphan Community Service & Leadership Award in 2003 was Circuit Court Judge R. Kenneth Elliott.

“I made my first court appearance before Judge Elliott, and I tried my first jury trial in front of Judge Elliott, and he was just like a great teacher. He was a great mentor. He didn’t make things easy for you, but you never went back in that courtroom and did anything he called you on again. So he was a great judge, and he was actually the person that introduced me to Alexander Doniphan.

“Alexander Doniphan’s a hero of mine,” Brant told the audience. “Doniphan was way ahead of the curve. He was a member of the Whig party, that was kind of the predecessor of the Republican Party. And he favored the gradual elimination of slavery, which was way out on the edge.

“He was far and away ahead of the curve in terms of that issue,” continued Brant. “And I think it’s unfortunate that some people try to apply today’s standards to what people were experiencing back then.”

Scout Troop 374—the same troop which Brant was a member of growing up in Liberty—presented the colors at the ceremony.

“Boys Scouts was extremely important to me. My cousin Ralph and I became Eagle Scouts together in 1961,” he said.

The ceremony also included a recognition of the non-profit Veterans Community Project and the playing of the “Colonel Doniphan Grand March.”

The award is presented by the Alexander W. Doniphan Community Service & Leadership Foundation with the support of the Clay County Millenium Historical Board, the Clay County Commission, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.