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6 | TheBucknerClarion.com September 2016 Seven Finalists Selected for 2016-17 Missouri Teacher of the Year Finalists have been named for the 2016-17 Missouri Teacher of the Year award. Nominations for the award were submitted by school districts throughout the state, and the finalists were chosen by a selection committee appointed by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE). The seven finalists were narrowed from a list of 31 Regional Teachers of the Year. The finalists for this year include: ● Katherine Arens, Lindbergh Schools (English, Lindbergh High School) ● Jody Hilton, Camdenton R-III (social studies and English language arts, Oak Ridge Intermediate School) ● Sandy Humbyrd, Hollister R-V (mathematics, Hollister High School) ● Nancy Luebbers, University City (English, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary) ● Lindsay Thompson, Fort Osage R-I (English, Fort Osage High School) ● Michelle Uptegrove, Lee's Summit (special education, Cedar Creek Elementary) ● Darbie Valenti, Savannah R-III (mathematics and Science, Minnie Cline Elementary) The selection committee, comprised of teachers, business leaders and education organization leaders, will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year following interviews with each finalist on August 30. The winner and the finalists will be honored at a banquet on October 24 in Jefferson City. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state's nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition. The Missouri Teacher of the Year program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers in providing a quality education to their students. Preparing, developing and supporting effective educators is a primary goal of the Department's Top 10 by 20 initiative, Missouri's effort to rank among the top 10 performing states in education in the nation by the year 2020. Missouri's current Teacher of the Year is Linda Glasgow, a third grade teacher at John Nowlin Elementary in Blue Springs. DESE conducts the Missouri Teacher of the Year program with financial support provided by the Boeing Company and the Monsanto Fund. Retirement Announcement from Fort Osage Dr. John Ruddy, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, has announced his retirement effective June 2017. "I submitted a letter to the Board of Education Tuesday indicating my intent to retire at the conclusion of the 2016-17 school year. After 32 years in public education, it is time to explore other opportunities personally and professionally. My 14 years with the Fort Osage School passed quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed working with exceptional central office staff past and present. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. It has been my honor to work with a truly dedicated group of people," Ruddy said. The Eastern Independence Rotary Club is kicking off a new Rotary year by honoring two members with the club's top awards. Cindy Miller, Campus Director for Columbia College Kansas City, was presented with the "Service Above Self Award Randy High Memorial". Miller was honored with this award for her outstanding commitment to service and giving back to the community. The award was established in memory of club member Randy High, who passed away in 2014. The award was established soon after Randy's death and Cindy is only the second recipient of the award. Mark Simcosky received the award in 2014-2015. Stephanie Smith, Director of Public Relations at the Fort Osage School District, was presented with "Rotarian of the Year Bob Jones Memorial Award". This award, which was named for Bob Jones, a club member who passed away in 2008, was established the following year and is presented annually to the club member who most exemplifies the values of Rotary. These members will have taken leadership positions, displaying high ethical standards, showing a dedication to fostering new ideas, and embracing opportunities to be of service on community and global projects. Past honorees include Julie Vest, Cindy Miller, Jenni Mann, Randy High, Jodi Krantz, and Lori Harp. Also honored were the incoming board members for the club for the 2016-2017 Rotary year: Cathi Hughes, President Stephanie Smith, President-Elect Sonci Bleckenger, Secretary Eric Knipp, Treasurer Dave Kyle, Sargent At Arms Lori Harp, Membership Rhonda Dolan & Jessica Houston, Service Projects Gerry McReynolds, Foundation Susan Wray, Programs Stephanie Smith, Communication/PR Scott King, Giving Committee Jodi Krantz, Fundraising/Winefest Michael Banks, Past President E a s t e r n I n d e p e n d e n c e R o t a r y H o n o r s i t s M e m b e r s