Plattsburg, MO - Recognition Banquet

Each year the Chamber holds a special community banquet to recognize individuals who they feel have gone over and beyond "the call of duty" in their community support.

The banquet, held in the Plattsburg High School Cafeteria during the month of April, is open to the community and is a way to express support and appreciation for all the volunteers who give their time promoting Plattsburg and all its activities. The banquet features a catered dinner (in the past supplied by the Pink Rosebud Bed & Breakfast), an awards ceremony with certificates and trophies given to the nominees and winners, and a live auction.

2012 Banquet Highlights

If you missed the Chamber recognition ceremony this year, then you missed out on a night of fun. The ceremony, held April 19 at the Performing Arts Center, drew nearly 100 people in support of those being honored. A slide show of Chamber events, highlights, and trivia entertained the crowd prior to the ceremony. The new Walking Tour brochure was featured in the slide show and was available after the ceremony.

This year's event began just a little differently than in prior years. The audience erupted into laughter when Chamber President Rayeann Longwell stepped from behind the stage curtain sporting a cape, mask, and wearing a large S on her chest. Why the superhero get-up? Because it sometimes seems to take super powers to accomplish all that the Chamber does.

Chamber board members were recognized, with special acknowledgment to Kate Long and Genice Read, board members whose terms were expiring.

There were many nominees for the few awards given and it was great to learn about all the wonderful people who make up our community. Mayor Dave Schauer recognized city clerk Mickey Streeter for her many years of dedication and service to the City.

Debbie Davis, University of MO Extension Youth Specialist recognized several 4H members and their accomplishments: Lauren Adams, Zack Donelson, Chelsea Price, Gwen Mayes, and Pat Glidewell.

The local school principals presented awards for teachers in their respective schools, and last year's Chamber winners presented the honors to this year's winnders in the categories of business, organization and volunteer of the year.

A new award this year honored a lifetime support of the Chamber. Ron Adam presented this award to his life-long friend, Gordon Gengelbach. Gordon has been active not only in the Chamber, but many other organizations over the years, and has been a fixture at Chamber meetings until health issues limited that ability.

Kudos to all those in charge who made this year's event possible: Tonya Sloan, Jeff & Rayeann Longwell, Beth Jones and Lynn Wood.

And congrats to all the award winners and nominees!

Previous Year's Winners
2011
2010
2009
2008

	2012 Winners
Nominees	Winner
Volunteer of the Year Ron Adam Don Talley Lou & Berdyna Proctor	Lou & Berdyna Proctor - They have served the Chamber and the community for many years. They show their support through their time, participation and financial donations to various events, schools and organizations. If help is needed, all you have to do is say the word and this quiet couple is ready to serve.
Organization of the Year PTA Ministerial Alliance Master Gardeners	Ministerial Alliance - They service the community by providing the ongoing Food Pantry. They have given financially to the Senior Center and "Backpack Buddies" program, as well as continued the annual Tour of Churches. They are also responsible for mid-week Bible studies at Oakridge and high school Baccalaureate.
Business of the Year Oakridge Hy-Klas Larry's One & Two Stops	Oakridge - A steadfast caretaker of our community’s loved one. The staff goes the extra mile by providing a fun, loving, and caring environment for the residents, and an easy-going, friendly relationship for the families. Always ready to lend a hand and support when needed.
Ellis Elementary Educator of the Year Reanne Worland Dana Barnes Lacey Atchity	Reanne Worland - Currently a kindergarten teacher at Ellis but has also taught 3rd and 5th grade, as well as pre-school. An outstanding teacher, she is almost always the first one in the building and the last one out of the building each day. She is very well prepared. She collaborates with administration and other staff members to do what is best for students. She differentiates instruction to meet the needs of all her students. She has built strong relationships with her students and they love her. She is one of the hardest working teachers in the building and it has been said she has the patience of a saint.
Clinton County Middle School Educator of the Year Kathy Davisson Brandon Ritter Lisa Owen	Lisa Owen - Has taught in grades 5^{th-8th at Clinton County Middle School for the past 6 years while coaching middle school and high school cheerleading.　 The PHS cheerleaders took 5th place at the MCCA State Cheerleading Championships this year in only their 2nd year of competing.　 While at CCMS, 　Lisa has been involved in various committees including the Principal’s Advisory Committee, 　Instructional Leadership Team, and Professional Learning Communities coaching team.　 During her tenure, Lisa has taken advantage of numerous professional development opportunities and　 currently serves on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee.　 Lisa can often be found tutoring students after school.}
Plattsburg High School Educator of the Year Karen Thompson Helen Whiteley	Helen Whiteley - One of Plattsburg’s Language Arts teachers as well as the Drama teacher in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, She left in 1992 to work at William Jewell College. After a 15 year absence, in 2008 Helen returned to the hallowed halls of PHS to once again teach Language Arts and direct some fantastic and fun plays.
Student of the Year Elementary	Christopher Collins - A student who always follows the Tiger Roar behavior expectations at Ellis. In class, he always listens and follows directions, either when he is working by himself or in group of students. He is very courteous, and is a very caring and patient student. He helps others whenever he sees a need. He is especially thoughtful of the special needs students in the classroom, talking with them and often playing with them at recess so they feel included. Christopher loves to play hockey. He has a passion for photography and loves to eat with the principal at school.
Middle School	Tanner Bahora - An 8^{th grade student at Clinton County R3 Middle School.　 He has participated in football, basketball, and track both his 7th and 8th grade years and is very hardworking, dedicated, and is a leader to his teams.　 He is very focused and well mannered, and gets along with everyone because of his kindness and good sense of humor.　 In addition to sports, Tanner is also active in National Junior Honor Society and Student Council.}
High School	Melissa Querrey - A very friendly, outgoing, active senior at Plattsburg High School. She is involved in many organizations, including band, cheerleading, academic team, drama, choir, Student Council President, National Honor Society member, Tiger Fly mentor, and many more activities too numerous to name. In her "spare time" she works at Lily Hill Florist & Gift Shop, and is currently making plans to attend college where she will study medicine.
New! Lifetime Chamber Support	Gordon Gengelbach - Age 91, was a member of the Chamber for more than 35 years until he retired last year for health reasons. He is a lifelong Plattsburg community member and graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1938. As a community member, Gordon was involved in many activities in addition to the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife of 68 years, Patty, were 4-H project leaders for many years; he served on the Clinton County R-III School Board for nine years, serving as President several times; he and Patty have been a part of the Plattsburg Saddle Club since it started more than 50 years ago; he volunteered with the Fall Festival; sang in the Community Chorus for decades; and served on the Board at the First Christian Church. Gordon says he "really appreciated the programs and the fellowship at the [Chamber] meetings. They were very informative." In Gordon’s opinion, the biggest change in Plattsburg’s business community over the years has been the computer. Gordon and Patty live at Oakridge of Plattsburg. They have four children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Web sponsored by:	Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce PO Box 134 Plattsburg, MO 64477 816-539-2649

Special thanks to The Clinton County Leader and RT Photography for donating many of the pictures for use on this site.