The Mexico Public Schools Board of Education held its annual Pioneer Awards Holiday Reception on Dec. 19 with seven former teachers and staff being honored for their service to the district.

Board President Keith Louder presented the awards for retired teachers Debbe Jones and Mark Murphy.

Jones started as a teacher’s aide before becoming a teacher for 24 years.

“She was affectionately known by her students at Mama J. Students knew Debbe was their biggest supporter and would do anything she could do for them,” Louder said about Jones. “One teacher said that Debbe is a big part of why they are teachers today. Her legacy of supporting students continues with those she taught and has returned to Mexico to teach.”

Murphy taught electronics for the district for 28 years, took his job very seriously and stayed up to date on electronics in both technology and theory. Louder said of Murphy, “He had the desirable trait of being able to connect with all of his students while at the same time challenging them to reach their full potential.”

Murphy’s award was also special to Louder who got a little emotional while talking about his friend.

“Mark and I have been best friends since the day I got here,” Louder said. “I was the teacher I was because of him. I very much appreciate what he did.”

Board Treasurer Michelle Stephens honored a former board member who served in the same role. Scott Hobbs served on the board from 2016 to 2019 and was the treasurer. Stephens said of Hobbs, “Scott’s attention to detail was pivotal in his role and he was never afraid to ask questions or clarify. Scott always thought of the students and staff first and how decisions would impact them.”

Board Member Jessica Ekern got to honor retired teacher Cathy Nowlin who served with Ekern’s mother, also a teacher, and was in high school while Nowlin was a teacher. Ekern said of Nowlin, “Cathy was known by her co-workers as someone who would go above and beyond for them. Cathy led by example in her years and was extremely helpful. Cathy knew the importance of building relationships. She would go out of her way to reach out to kids and help them achieve.”

Board Member Scott Nichols honored Middle School employee Sherry Sonwalt for her 23 years of service wearing several hats for the district. Sonwalt started off working in food service before working her way up to the principal’s secretary. Nichols said of Sonwalt, “Sherry was known by her co-workers as a devoted employee. In all of her roles, Sherry held she was always consistently calm, always kind and generously helpful. When a new employee started at Mexico Middle School Sherry was always one of the first to greet them and offer to help them.”

Board Member Nicole Jahn honored employee Karol Kristofferson who served 14 years as the secretary of maintenance and transportation. Jahn said of Kristofferson, “She was known by her co-workers as an honest professional.”

Jahn also honored retired teacher Maureen Hacker who still serves on the Missouri Retired Teachers Association and hands out grants to local teachers. Hacker taught at Mexico for 33 years before retiring in 2006. Jahn said of Hacker, “Many students remember seeing Maureen at the High School greeting them with a warm smile and helpful words of encouragement.”

While being honored Hacker took note of some familiar faces in the audience.

“I see a few of my kids here,” Hacker said.