Farmington Educational Foundation awards over $33,000 in scholarships
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Recipients of the $33,000 in scholarship awards made by the Farmington Educational Foundation to 2025 Farmington High School graduates. Lisa Brotherton-Barnes
In a ceremony filled with applause, memories, and vision for the future, the Farmington Educational Foundation (FEF) awarded more than $33,000 in scholarships to graduating Farmington High School seniors last month. The event honored not only academic and extracurricular excellence, but also the deep roots of community values and personal legacies that endure through scholarship giving.
Foundation Executive Director Sally Sullivan-Shinn, an alumna and former teacher, welcomed families, students, and school officials. “It’s a beautiful day to give money,” she quipped, before sharing the organization’s mission of supporting opportunities “above and beyond” those available through the school district.
“The foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit, and our mission is to help students provide opportunities above and beyond what they normally have offered in the school district,” she said. This year, $17,500 of the total came from memorial scholarships, while $15,000 was provided directly by the Foundation, with an additional scholarship funded by Farmington educators.
Artie Henson Memorial Scholarships – 2 awards, $1,000 each
These scholarships honor Artie Henson, a 1966 Farmington graduate known for her passion for the arts and education. A twirler, theater guild member, homecoming queen, and drama director, Artie served for years on the FEF and helped select Hall of Fame inductees. Her commitment to youth, writing, and community leadership lives on through this award.
Finnly Blue plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in journalism. Her goal is to become a journalist and move to Ireland to pursue a career possibly related to music.
Addison Moore will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in journalism and communications. Her goal is to become a journalist.
Coach Ed Street Memorial Scholarships – 2 awards, $1,000 each
Honoring Coach Ed Street, a physical education teacher and legendary basketball coach, these awards go to students who played sports and are pursuing a 4-year degree. Street’s 1983 FHS team achieved a 26-2 record—a school best that still stands.
Lily Brockland will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy. She plans to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy.
Cianna Clowdus plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall, majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in musical performance. Her future goals include becoming an accountant, credit analyst, auditor, financial examiner, or business intelligence analyst.
Damion Dane Memorial Scholarships – 2 awards, $2,000 each
These generous scholarships honor Damion Dane, a determined and kind young man who achieved Eagle Scout rank, Scouting’s highest accomplishment. He worked hard and faced adversity with remarkable resilience and grace. They are awarded to students who show grit, maturity, and leadership. Damian persevered to do his best in all endeavors he undertook. He was a hard worker. He always had a job, even when his school studies required a lot of time and effort.
Lillian Betz-Bacon is attending Missouri State University, majoring in biology. Her goal is to become a dermatology physician assistant. Ava Obenauer will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in biochemistry. Her goal is to become a physician.
Doug Forsythe Memorial Scholarships – 2 awards, $1,000 each
Doug was a long-time, dedicated member of the FEF Board. His entire life was dedicated to service. He was a proud 1983 FHS graduate. Doug was a distinguished member of the 1983 state championship FHS baseball team. The fellowship and bonds of his fellow team members would carry forward for the rest of his life. For 35 years, Doug worked as an X-ray and MRI technologist at the local hospital.
Along with other civic organizations, he served the Farmington Educational Board of Directors for nearly two decades. Doug was an outstanding member of the Foundation board. He worked diligently to further the mission of the Foundation and championed initiatives that would enhance the educational opportunities of students in our school district. Doug’s passion for service and youth education lives on through these scholarships.
Kinley Walden plans to attend Missouri State University in the fall, majoring in nursing. After completing nursing school, she plans to apply to a nurse practitioner program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specializing in pediatrics.
Colvin Follis will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia in the fall, majoring in biochemistry, pursuing a science-focused career in optometry or research.
Dr. Charles Cozean Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
The Dr. Charles Cozean Memorial Scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded by his brother, Dr. Jon Cozean. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate who plans to pursue a professional career in the field of medicine.
Dr. Charles Cozean graduated from Farmington High School in 1954. He was an outstanding student and a punter for the Farmington Knights football team. Pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Cozean graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and the University of Kansas Medical School with a specialty in ophthalmology. His interest in this specialty was prompted by his congenital vision defect, which required early treatment intervention. He initiated his ophthalmology practice in Cape in the 1960s. During his career, Dr. Cozean designed an individually prescribed lens that was inserted directly into the eye, thereby eliminating any need for traditional eyewear. He was a lifelong supporter of the Farmington School District.
Grayson Street is attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in nuclear medicine. After completing his degree, he will attend the graduate dosimetry program at SIU-Carbondale. His career goal is to become a dosimetrist.
Evelyn Beatrice Bannister Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Donated by her daughter, Angela Hahn, this award honors Evelyn Bannister, a Depression-era woman who deeply believed in education as a path to a better life and supported youth in numerous ways. Evelyn understood the financial challenges facing young men and women who wish to improve their lives. Growing up during the Depression, Mrs. Bannister experienced these hardships and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the value of education. She consistently worked to give back to the community’s youth through various endeavors.
Mallory Felker plans to attend Seton Hall University in the fall, majoring in diplomacy and international relations. Her goal is to become a global human rights lawyer.
FEF General Scholarships – 1 award of $2,000
Funded by community donors and Foundation supporters to recognize students demonstrating academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Alexander Cummings will be attending the University of Missouri-Columbia in the fall, majoring in biology. His career goal is to become a forensic pathologist.
This year, the FEF awarded 11 additional scholarships of $1,000 each. These scholarships are made possible through the foundation’s fundraising efforts, such as our annual golf tournament in the fall and our spring trivia night. These recipients have excelled in their academics and extracurricular activities.
Alaina Pulliam plans to attend Missouri State University in the fall. She will be pursuing a degree in nursing to become a pediatric nurse anesthetist. Jackson McDowell will attend Jefferson College in the fall, majoring in business. We will eventually transfer to a four-year college.
Meredith Williams is planning to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia. She will be majoring in nutrition and exercise physiology. Her future goal is to become a physician’s assistant. Emille Gillam will attend Maryville University in the fall, pursuing a degree in finance and accounting. Her goal is to become a certified public accountant (CPA) and make the world a better place.
Logan Schaupert is planning to attend Jefferson College in the fall, majoring in either education or nursing. He plans to either teach and coach or become a nurse. Karmen Kimbrough will be attending Mineral Area College, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree. She plans to become a dietitian.
Meika Steinkemeyer is planning to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City, majoring in biology. Her goal is to become an orthodontist and open her own practice.
Additionally, the foundation awarded two Vocational/Technical Scholarships, each for $1,000. These scholarships are awarded to seniors who will be attending an accredited post-secondary college, vocational school, or technical school and who plan to pursue a degree or certification in a vocational or technical program.
Alayna Grace Moran is attending Stevens Institute of Business and Arts. She will be majoring in graphic design and plans to pursue a career as a graphic designer. Chloe Moon plans to attend Mineral Area College, majoring in healthcare. Her future goal is to become a paramedic.
The Farmington R7 CTA Teacher Education Scholarship – 1 award of $500
Awarded by the Farmington R7 CTA, the local professional teachers’ association in the Farmington School District, this scholarship is presented to a graduate who plans to major in teacher education. It is intended to inspire students to pursue a career in the teaching field. The CTA’s purpose is to promote the common interest of teachers and other educators in their local school district. This
Christian Monrotus plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall, majoring in music education and performance.
Henry Bannister Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Given in his memory by his daughter Angela Hahn, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate who best reflects the qualities exemplified by Mr. Baniste. The scholarship is intended to assist a deserving student who demonstrates both financial need and academic ability. Henry was a machinist by trade and could fix just about anything. He was robust and energetic, raising a family and an impressive summer vegetable garden. For his size and strength, he was a gentle man who quietly appreciated nature and watching his hunting dogs work a field for quail. He is remembered for his kindness, friendliness, and indomitable sense of humor. His financial plan was straightforward: pay your bills, save money, and live on what was left over.
That philosophy and a respect for education prompted him to start a college savings account for his first child when he was born. That child graduated from Farmington High School and applied to college. The bill was already paid.
Noah Brenon plans to attend Missouri S&T, majoring in architectural and civil engineering. His long-term goal is to own a structural engineering firm.
Jane Bates Memorial Teacher Education Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Given by the foundation in memory of Jane’s service on the FEF board, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate who plans to major in education. Mrs. Bates spent her teaching career instilling the love of learning in her students. During retirement, Jane served as a Farmington R7 School Board member on the board of the FEF. This scholarship memorializes Jane’s love of teaching and continues her legacy of instilling the love of learning in future teachers and the students they will impact.
Summer O’Harver will attend Murray State University, pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She plans to become a second-grade teacher.
Jim Dinwiddie Memorial Scholarships – 2 awards, $1,000 each
Given in his memory by Sharyn Dinwiddie, these scholarships are awarded to seniors who best exemplify the qualities that Mr. Dinwiddie represented. As a long-time educator in the Farmington School District, Jim was dedicated to ensuring the very best educational opportunities for all students. His hard work, compassion, and dedication to his profession remain as examples for all educators. Mr. Dinwiddie’s legacy lives on through the hundreds of students he helped along the way.
Ella Davis will attend Maryville University, majoring in English and secondary education. Her future goal is to return to Farmington High School as a dual-credit educator. Wyatt Scott plans to attend the University of Missouri, majoring in business administration. His future goal is to attend law school to become a lawyer.
Keith Hudson Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Given by Brian and Kim Hutson and their family in his memory, this scholarship is awarded to a senior who played for the FHS Knights football team. Keith was a 1972 graduate of Farmington High School. During his years at FHS, he played defensive back and wingback on the Knights’ football team. He went on to become a lifelong fan and supporter of the Knights’ football program. He helped raise money for the current football field, the video boards, as well as the Walker Johns Memorial press booth. For many years, Keith and his wife, Karen, hosted the football boys for homecoming lunch at their home after the parade and before the game. Keith, a pipefitter, became a savvy businessman and a fierce negotiator, owning multiple businesses over the years. He and Karen opened Taco Bell in Farmington and grew the franchise to 35 before selling the stores. Keith also served on the Farmington R7 School Board.
Kaesen McClain will attend Missouri Baptist University in the fall, majoring in secondary education and administration, minoring in business. His goal is to teach and coach.
Mike and Vicki Ruble Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $500
Given by their two children, Matt Ruble and Morgan Ruble Lucas, this scholarship is awarded to a graduate who plans to major in teacher education. Mike and Vickie Ruble spent their entire careers as teachers and coaches in Dent and Reynolds Counties. They taught for a combined total of 62 years. Mike (Coach) coached high school and middle school basketball and volleyball for 25 years while teaching physical education and health. Vickie taught for 37 years as an elementary and middle school teacher and served as cheerleading sponsor. Both were loved for their commitment and exemplary service to the Northwood R-4 School District in Dent County, where they spent the majority of their careers.
Briana Rayfield plans to attend Mineral Area College, majoring in English and secondary education. She plans to move on to become a secondary education teacher.
Randy Ragsdale Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $500
Given in memory by his wife, Linda Ragsdale, this scholarship is awarded to a senior who plans to pursue a career in teaching. Mr. Ragsdale graduated from Farmington in 1973 and spent the majority of his career teaching math at Farmington High School. In addition, Mr. Ragsdale coached middle school football and high school girls’ basketball. Throughout his career, Mr. Ragsdale was a devoted teacher and mentor to his students. He was loved and respected not only by his students but also by his fellow educators.
Lily Dowell plans to attend Truman State University in the fall, majoring in history and pursuing a master’s degree in education. Her goal is to teach advanced history at the high school level.
Ron Short Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Given by the foundation in memory of Ron Short, who was a dedicated supporter of the Farmington School District and a past board member of both the Farmington School District Board of Education and the FEF. It is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated academic excellence.
Hayden Wade will attend Mineral Area College in the fall, majoring in business. His goal is to earn a business degree while working at First State Community Bank, with the ultimate goal of transitioning into a loan position. He would also like to referee sports and get involved in the community.
Sue Bauche Memorial Choral Music Scholarship – 1 award, $1,000
Given in her memory by Kurt Bauche, this scholarship is presented to a graduating student of the FHS choral music program who exhibits a love of choral music. Mrs. Bauche dedicated her life to serving the needs of choral musicians in St. Francois County from 1983 through 2013. She taught for 14 years at West County R-3 Schools and then taught at Farmington High School for 15 years. She maintained a consistent level of excellence in the choral program. She referred to her students as her “babies” just as they referred to her as “Mama Bauche”. She was persistent, loving, caring, passionate, and compassionate toward young singers.
Sophie Yilmaz plans to attend Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre. Her goal is to work as a professional actress in the stage and film industries.
Todd W. Jokers Memorial Scholarship – 1 award, $2,000
Given in Todd’s memory by Adam and Cathy Schrager, this scholarship is awarded to a student who exemplifies Todd’s spirit by demonstrating academic success, as well as leadership in school and the community. Todd led his life striving for the very best in himself and in others. A 1986 FHS graduate, Todd was a leader in school and in his community.
Jessica Wade will attend Missouri State University in the fall, majoring in pre-law. Her future goal is to become a lawyer.
Vicki Rorex Hoffman Memorial Vocational/Technical Scholarship – 1 award, $500
Given in her memory by the Rorex family, this scholarship is awarded to a FHS graduate who plans to pursue a degree or certification from a college or a vocational/technical school. Vicki spent her teaching career serving students with special needs. Vicki was a true professional who loved teaching. She was tenacious, compassionate, kind, and caring to not only her students but anyone she met. Vicki’s strength and spirit left an imprint on her students and colleagues. Through her example, Vicki taught all who knew her how to face adversity with grace, dignity, and a sense of humor.
Hunter Barron will attend Ranken Technical College, majoring in diesel mechanics and diesel technology. He plans to open his own business in this industry.
Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.
