As Maria Watkins looks around Cairo, she doesn’t just see what’s missing—she sees what’s possible. A 2003 graduate of Cairo High School and now Alexander County Treasurer, Maria has built her life around the belief that if something doesn’t exist, you can create it. “Just because we don’t have it doesn’t mean we can’t make it happen,” she says with conviction. “We can always create opportunities.”

Maria has done exactly that, time and again. From starting a youth flag football program to organizing the city’s annual Summer Jam, she’s found ways to bring joy, opportunity, and hope to Cairo’s children. Her efforts—almost all volunteer—have become a cornerstone of community life.

“I love kids,” she says simply. “It hurts my heart to see children miss out on experiences just because their families can’t afford them. That’s why I do what I do.”

After graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a degree in accounting in 2007, Maria moved to Chicago for a short time before returning home in 2009. “I thought I’d stay in the city,” she says, “but it just wasn’t me. Cairo is home. Everybody knows everybody here. You can talk to the superintendent, the bank manager, the grocery store clerk—it’s a small town where people care.”

Maria’s professional path has been as full as her volunteer work. She worked as a secretary at Shawnee Community College and then at Cairo High School, where she served as administrative secretary and prom sponsor. “That’s when I first started working with the students,” she says. “We fundraised, picked themes, planned dinners, all of it. I love seeing them get excited for something special.”

In 2018, she was elected Alexander County Treasurer—a role that perfectly combines her head for numbers and her heart for people. “I never thought about the political side,” she admits. “I just loved math. But being in this position lets me do both—handle the finances and still connect with people. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Maria’s commitment extends far beyond her job. Through her decorating business, Awesome Arrangements, she’s brought color and creativity to weddings, birthdays, and community events. What started as decorating for her church grew into a thriving small business. “I did my first wedding for $400,” she says, laughing. “It was for 150 people in St. Louis. I didn’t make a dime! But I learned my worth. Now I know how to run a business.”

Even as her company has grown—recently landing its first corporate event with Phoenix Paper Mill—Maria keeps her focus on service. She uses her creativity to make Cairo brighter, whether through local events, fundraisers, or prom nights that rival big-city celebrations. “This year, we raised enough money to bring in a chef from Atlanta to cook fresh shrimp and steak,” she says. “It was worth every penny to give our students something special.”

Her creativity shines each July during her biggest event of the year: Summer Jam. “There’s not much for kids to do here in the summer,” she says. “So I created something.” Every Wednesday in July, families gather at the high school for free food, games, and entertainment. “We’ve had bounce houses, laser tag, even a mini carnival,” she says proudly. “One year, we got a $5,000 donation from the Southern Foundation—I almost passed out when they called.”

The event has grown each year, drawing 50 to 70 kids from Cairo and nearby communities like Meridian, Century, and Egyptian. “It’s open to everyone,” Maria says. “We serve pizza one week, nachos the next. “I’m already planning for next year,” she says with a grin. “The goal is to take the kids on a trip—maybe Six Flags. I just want them to have something to look forward to.”

Maria’s passion for creating opportunities began at home. She and her husband, Gerald Watkins Jr., both Cairo natives, have two sons—Elijah and Gerald III. “When my oldest wanted to play football, we didn’t have a league,” she says. “So I started one. We ran it for three years. It’s on pause now, but if we get new coaches, we’ll bring it back.”

Now her sons’ interests inspire new projects. “Gerald III loves fishing,” she says. “So next spring, I’m planning a youth fishing tournament. And my youngest loves soccer—so we’ll make that happen too, even if it’s just one game. We can create it.”

She also serves on the Rise Community Market board, the Parent-Teacher Organization, and attends both school board and city council meetings. “Being involved helps you see what’s really going on,” she says. “You can make change when you show up.”

For Maria Watkins, it’s simple. “I love Cairo,” she says. “This is home. I could’ve left, but I stayed. Because here, I can make a difference.”