The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber's Annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet was held Friday, February 21st, at The ARK Community & Sports Center. This event is held to commemorate the hard work and dedication to the community exhibited by our area leaders, non-profit organizations and civic groups, as well as announces the Citizen of the Year. The Chamber had 226 in attendance at the Community Leadership Awards Banquet held at the ARK Community & Sports Center. The event was sponsored by Security Bank of Pulaski County and dinner was provided by Vidies Catering.

This year we had 5 amazing nominees for Citizen of the Year: Cynthia Andry, nominated by the Pulaski County Branch of the NAACP, Russell Dixon, nominated by the Pulaski County Health Center, Joann Goethe, nominated by Luge Hardman, and Gary Knehans & Marv Luten, nominated by Pulaski County Daily News. The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce 2024 Citizen of the Year is Cynthia Andry for her volunteer impact in the community. Cynthia was presented two resolutions: State Representative Bill Hardwick was in attendance and presented a resolution on behalf of the Missouri House. Senator Justin Brown was not able to attend, but he sent his remarks and a resolution on behalf of the Missouri Senate. Fort Leonard Wood's Commanding General Christopher Beck, John Moore, Mayor Pro Tem of St. Robert, and Sean Wilson, Mayor of Waynesville, were also present to present their remarks.

The 2024 Volunteers of the Year, Laura Schoephorster and Nola Estrella, were recognized for truly embodying the spirit of community service.

Laura Schoephorster conceived the idea of lining the Roubidoux Bridge with bright red crochet poppies for the 2024 Veterans' Day Parade. Her vision was not only realized but surpassed, and the overwhelming support from the community made this year's parade one of the most memorable yet. Laura was recognized for her dedication in sewing the chain of poppies together and for the countless hours she devoted to this project. Thanks to her, the poppies will now serve as a lasting symbol of gratitude and remembrance in our community for many years to come.

What stands out most about Nola Estrella is her unwavering commitment to our success. She doesn't just volunteer her time; she brings her expertise, patience, and a genuine willingness to help, making a tangible difference in the Chamber's daily operations. Through her countless hours of dedication, she has played a pivotal role in helping our staff transition our accounting processes into QuickBooks Online. Her expertise in this area has been invaluable, ensuring that the staff not only understands the system but is also equipped with the knowledge to use it efficiently and effectively. Whether answering questions, troubleshooting issues, or simply offering guidance, she has been a constant and reliable resource for our team.

At any Chamber function you're sure to see the bright blue jackets worn by the members of the Chamber's Ambassador Club. They are the Chamber's army of volunteers, and it is a special privilege to honor them for their dedicated service. The Chamber presented service pins to John Moore for ten years of service and Hector Silva for five years of service. The Chamber recognizes the Ambassador of the Year for 2024, Amber Box. The Ambassador of the Year is determined by attendance at Chamber functions throughout the year. Amber earned 99 points and attended 64 out of 100 events.

The Lifetime Ambassador Award is new this year. It is a prestigious recognition given to an Ambassador who has made exceptional contributions to the Waynesville - St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Club. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated a high level of dedication and service over an extended period. The Lifetime Ambassador Award is reserved for a select few. The Ambassador's Club was established in December 2006 to serve our Chamber, our membership, and our community. In March 2007, one remarkable individual joined this esteemed group, and over the past 18 years, his unwavering commitment and countless hours of service have left a lasting impact. The Chamber was honored to present Joe Grumney the Lifetime Ambassador award.

The Chamber also presented the 2024 Educator of the Year. This year we had a tie, with two winners, Peggy Arnold and Virginia Fulmer-Rehm. Peggy Arnold was nominated by Luge Hardman. Peggy has been the Marketing instructor at Waynesville Career Center since 2004. She worked in the private sector for several years and brought that experience to the classroom. Peggy's students qualify each year for international competitions. She is proud that her DECA chapter has placed first in the nation for raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Peggy's supervisor, Waynesville Career Center Director Sam Callis, adds, "There are two words that come to mind with Mrs. Arnold. She is PASSIONATE about teaching, especially Marketing, and she CARES about every one of her students. Caring means that she gets the most from them. It is easy to compliment her and her work." To Peggy, teaching is very personal. She is proud of her students and has enjoyed watching their success over the years.

Virginia Fulmer-Rehm was nominated by Waypoint United Methodist Church. Virginia was raised in Waynesville, MO. She graduated from Waynesville High School and earned her bachelor's degree at Southwest Missouri State University. Mrs. Fulmer-Rehm started teaching, then later in her career, she earned her Masters and Specialist degrees from Missouri State University. She taught hospitality and tourism at the Waynesville Technical Academy across the hall from her future husband. James and Virginia were married in 2003. Mrs. Fulmer-Rehm taught at WTA and WCC for 15 years and then switched to teaching special education at Freedom Elementary. Mrs. Fulmer-Rehm is also a CPI Instructor, an advocate for people with special needs, and a mentor to many educators and parents in our community. Mrs. Fulmer-Rehm is a long-time member of Waypoint United Methodist Church and serves as a Sunday School teacher for school-age children. She also volunteers her time making the NextGen rooms a welcome place for all children, planning and assisting with Family Ministry events, and baking for many church events.

The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals who exemplify dedication, leadership, and service in our community.

 

To see more pictures from the night, visit our Facebook page!

Past Citizen of the Year Award Recipients