The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Alice Leonatti has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the C.R. Stribling Community Service Award.
This distinguished honor — …
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The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Alice Leonatti has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the C.R. Stribling Community Service Award.
This distinguished honor — recognized as the Chamber’s most prestigious of its six annual awards — celebrates individuals whose sustained efforts, service, and unwavering dedication have significantly enriched the Mexico community, a news release stated. The award will be presented at the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Dinner on February 20, 2026, at the Audrain County 4-H Center.
The C.R. Stribling Community Service Award recipients are nominated exclusively by past Chamber presidents. Honorees exemplify long-term commitment, selflessness and a demonstrable positive impact across many areas of community life.
Born in Chicago and raised in Dallas, Texas, Leonatti moved to Missouri in 1967 and earned her Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Missouri in 1971. She taught second grade at Bush School in Fulton from 1971 to 1974 before relocating to Mexico.
Leonatti’s service record is both extensive and deeply rooted. A devoted member of St. Brendan Catholic Church, she has served as a lector, communion minister, member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, School Advisory Council member, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and educator at St. Brendan School from 1988 to 2004.
Her civic leadership spans more than 50 years with the Mexico/Audrain County League of Women Voters, where she served as president and long-time voter service chair. She has also held leadership roles with the Mexico Women’s Club (GFWC President, 1978–1979), Wednesday Club, Mexico High School PTSA (co-president), and contributed to Walk Back in Time.
Leonatti has served on the A+ for Mexico Education Board since 2005, currently serving as Grant Co-Chairman. Her statewide influence is notable as well. Involved with the Miss Missouri Board since approximately 2000, she now serves as Executive Director, a role she assumed in 2021.
Her dedication to education has been recognized with honors including Walmart Educator of the Year. Outside her community service, Leonatti enjoys genealogy, sports, and reading.
Alice and her husband, Lou Leonatti, married in 1971 and built their life in Mexico with their children, Christie, Andy, and Daniel. They are proud grandparents to Taylor Anliker Maurer, Ethan Anliker, and Peyton Anliker, and great-grandparents to Charlotte Maurer.
“This is an honor, but I am only here because of the many people that came before me,” Leonatti said, reflecting on the honor. “Mexico, Missouri is a really special place, and it is a privilege to have raised a family here and call it home.”
Additional awards will be presented. The following recipients were nominated and selected by past chamber presidents.
Chamber 2025 Award Winners
Stribling Community Service Award: Alice Leonatti
G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award: Jake Clayton
Civic Award: Jaye Jackson
Excellence in Tourism: John Graham; Paul and Teresa Ridgeway
Philanthropic Achievement Award: Jim Hickman
Educator of the year is nominated by the schools and selected by the executive board.
Educator of the Year: Michelle Crawford
