The Mexico Ledger would like to congratulate all the honorees who were recognized at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.
Mark DeJaynes
The Colonel C. R. Stribling Jr. Community Service Award is given for exceptional efforts on behalf of the community for an extended period of time.
DeJaynes was selected as this year’s recipient in recognition of his selflessness and passion for service. DeJaynes volunteers with the Miss Missouri pageant, Back to School Health Fair, Presser Arts Center, and “Look Good Feel Good” to benefit those with cancer. He was also the recipient of the 2016 E. Warner Williams Business Service Award and was a 2024 Mexico Hidden Hero.
Sebastien Heintz
The G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award is awarded to an individual or business who has brought great statewide or national credit or publicity to the Mexico area.
Heintz is the founder of Zenith Aircraft Company, who has championed sport aviation and made aircraft ownership accessible through the Zenith Aircraft Kit. Zenith attracts a wealth of visitors to the Mexico Memorial Airport, Hagan Brothers Airfield for the annual Zenith Homecoming.
Mission to Mexico - Rush Hill Community Church
The Civic Award recognizes exceptional effort or a benefit conferred upon the Mexico Community during the past 12 months.
Through their annual mission trips to hosted by Group Workcamps, Rush Hill Community Church has completed 52 home improvement projects totalling 13,260 service hours. Campers also contributed 3,121 items to the Help Center.
Ben and Darla Eggers - Sydenstricker Genetics
The Excellence in Tourism award recognizes marketing excellence in touring consumers and laudable service through volunteer efforts.
Every year, the Sydenstricker Genetics annual production sale attracts over 500 attendees from more than 20 states, generating significant economic benefits for Mexico. Ben and Darla have been married for 38 years and are proud to showcase Sydenstricker’s globally acclaimed breeding program.
Stephanie Robinett
Educator of the Year reecognises service, commitment, excellence, and dedication in meeting the educational needs of their students.
Robinett is an MHS graduate who teaches 8th-grade-math at MMS. She hhas embraced leadership roles including Math Department Chair and Student Council Advisor. Robinett mentors students and enhances curriculum development. Outside of school, she is an Elder and Children’s Ministry Committee co-chair at First Presbyterian Church.
Tad Dobbins
The President’s Award is given for outstanding contributions to other Mexico Community.
Dobbins joined Partners for Rural Impact in 2024 as the Hawthorne Elementary School Site Coordinator. He has served of seven community boards, six advisory councils and numerous other committees.
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