(KAIR)--2025's recipient of the Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement award holds the record as fastest person to ever traverse the full distance of the Appalachian Trail. Named as recipient of this year's Amelia-themed award, Tara Dower, last year, set the overall Fastest Known Time on the Appalachian Trail, completing it in 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes.

Dower is now set to bring her story to Atchison, timed with the city's Amelia Earhart Festival, held each July in honor of Earhart, who called Atchison her childhood home.

Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont, in a release, says the festival committee is "excited to welcome Tara to Atchison to share her story of endurance and dedication," adding that Dower "is an amazing example of setting goals and then working diligently to accomplish your dreams.”

Dower's Appalachian Trail accomplishment comes as most who walk the trail spend months finishing the hike, with Dower to bring her tale of accomplishment to Atchison, as part of the festival. She'll do that on morning of July 19, at 10:30, during the “Step by Step” Speaker- Symposium at Benedictine College in the O’Malley McAllister Auditorium, located at 1020 North 2nd Street in Atchison. The Speaker- Symposium is free to the public.

Following the symposium, at 12 noon, Dower will be presented the Pioneering Achievement Award at the annual Amelia Earhart Festival luncheon, in the Benedictine College Cafeteria, the site each year for the award presentation. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and are available online or by calling 913-426-3911.

The annual award honors a woman whose life and career exemplify triumph over adversity with the Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award.