Shauna Farmer received the High School Educator of the Year award during the awards assembly on May 15. Shauna is retiring after 28 years working at Rock Port R-II Schools.

 

Ryan Lucas receives a certificate from Mary Kahn, representing the American Legion, recognizing his outstanding citizenship and work in school.

 

Mary Kahn presents the American Legion Citizenship Award to Avery Meyerkorth.

 

Students receiving awards for having the highest grade point average in their history classes were, from left to right: Jack Bailey, Avery Schomburg, Clara Hays, and Leah Meyerkorth.

 

Students receiving Science Awards, from left to right, were Karlie Gebhards, Raylynn Jenkins, Cooper Daugherty, Kinley Lair, and Levi Lucas.

 

Seniors Zane Cook and Payten Shrader received the Career and Technical Education certificate.

 

Jacque Gayle Gebhards, left, presented the 2025 Miton Reid Award to Ella Meyerkorth, right.

 

Ryan Lucas, left, and Aricin Weber, right, received Financial Guru Awards.

 

Dalton Jones presented a Citizenship Award to Damian Barth.

 

Students receiving Spanish awards, from left to right, were Isabella Kroeger, Leah  Meyerkorth, Karlie Gebhards, Cooper Daugherty, Mya Welch, and Landrey Kelly.

 

Mrs. Trudy Herron gave awards at the assembly for students receiving all A’s. Pictured, from left to right, are: Quentin Jackson, Skylar Stoner, Ryder Herron, Ella Meyerkorth, Jacoby Driskell, Emma Teten, and Norah Watkins.

 

The Rock Port R-II Junior High and High School awards assembly was held May 15, 2025. Awards presented included the following:

Mary Kahn presented the American Legion Citizenship Award to Avery Meyerkorth and Ryan Lucas.

Jacque Gayle Gebhards presented the Milton Reid Award to Ella Meyerkorth.

LoryAnne Daugherty gave the following Spanish awards: Certificate of Excellence in 8th Exploratory Spanish (Semester 1) – Isabella Kroeger and (Semester 2) – Leah  Meyerkorth; Certificate of Excellence in Spanish 1 (2024-2025) – Karlie Gebhards; Certificate of Excellence in Spanish 2 (2024-2025) – Mya Welch; Certificate of Excellence in Spanish 1 (2024-2025) – Cooper Daugherty; Certificate of Excellence in Spanish 2 (2024-2025) – Landrey Kelly

Christine Dush gave National Honor Society Awards. Good Citizenship Award winners were: first quarter – Sam Van De Goor, Corbyn Jakub, Gabe Gebhards, Karlie Gebhards; second quarter – Jack Meyerkorth, Brandon Athen, Cooper Daugherty, Amelia Mason; third quarter – Braylyn Wood, Jaxon Smith, Audrey Dougherty, Raylynn Jenkins; and fourth quarter – Mya Welch, Alex Schuster, Claire Miller, Landrey Kelly. Honor chords were earned by Cali Driskell, Jaymes Herron, Hadleigh Jones, Ryan Lucas, Addy Maifeld, Avery Meyerkorth, Payten Shrader, Malachi Skillen, Claire Spiegel, Bracton Cook, and Arianna Shimmel. Avery Meyerkorth was the winner of a $25 Amazon gift card for having the most service hours (87.25 hours).

Shauna Farmer presented awards to the Peer Counselors. They were: Cali Driskell, Jaymes Herron, Ryan Lucas, Avery Meyerkorth, Malachi Skillen, and Claire Spiegel, seniors; Tayden Cook, Jacoby Driskell, Quentin Jackson, Dylan Lair, Keira Roup, and Emma Teten, juniors; Westyn Amthor, Gabe Gebhards, Landrey Kelly, Jack Meyerkorth, Claire Miller, and Tatum Vogler, sophomores; Brandon Athen, Cooper Daugherty, Raylynn Jenkins, Bentley Teten, Braylyn Wood, and Zoey Zach, freshmen; Stevie Gaines, Isabella Kroeger, Rush Lewis, Landon Melton Burrell, Leah Meyerkorth and Grant Spiegel, eighth graders; and Briar Daugherty, Zeke Gebhards, Clara Hays, Archer Meyerkorth, Jovie Millsap, and Avery Schomburg, seventh graders.

Eighth grade academic and achievement awards were presented to Reese Herron, Isabella Kroeger, Rozlyn McCown, Tenley Peshek, Grant Spiegel, and Adrianna Wallace. Stevie Gaines, Leah Meyerkorth, and Alexi Stoner received outstanding academic excellence awards.

Kelcie Gaines presented Sixth Grade ELA Awards to Jack Bailey (Creative Voice Award) and Harper Roup (Creative Voice Award); and Seventh Grade ELA Awards to Ryan Sharpless (Creative Voice Award), Avery Schomburg (Creative Voice Award) , and Clara Hays (Creative Voice Award).

Thomas Herron presented History Awards to Karlie Gebhards, ninth grade; Tatum Vogler, 10th grade; and Jacoby Driskell, 11th grade. Jayme McEnaney received Dual Credit.

Trudy Herron presented High School Science Medals to the following: Anatomy – Addison Maifeld, high score; Cali Driskell, Jaylynn Garst, Corbyn Jakub, and Addison Maifeld, all A’s (95% or above all 4 quarters); Chemistry I – Jaymes Herron, high score; Cali Driskell, Jaylynn Garst, Jaymes Herron, Addison Maifeld, Malachi Skillen, all A’s; Biology – Quentin Jackson, high score first hour; Skylar Stoner, high score sixth hour; Tayden Cook, Ryder Herron, Quentin Jackson, Ella Meyerkorth, Jacoby Driskell, Skylar Stoner, Emma Teten, Norah Watkins, all A’s; Integrated Chemistry – Brylea Shrader, high score third hour; Mya Welch, high score fifth hour; Morgan Garst, Brylea Shrader, Audrey Dougherty, Gabriel Gebhards, Dayton Hays, Landry Kelly, Justin Kuhns, Jackson Meyerkorth, Tatum Vogler, Mya Welch. Missouri Western Chemathon 2025 participation certificates were presented to Cali Driskell, Jaylynn Garst, Jaymes Herron, Addison Maifeld, and Malachi Skillen. The Chemistry I Small School Quiz Bowl 2025 first place team was Cali Driskell, Jaylynn Garst, Jaymes Herron, Addison Maifeld, and Malachi Skillen. Jaymes Herron earned first place in the Chemistry I Small School Exam 2025.

Rachel Jenkins presented the following Science Awards: seventh grade – Avery Schomburg (highest grade percentage), Zeke Gebhards (outstanding grade percentage), Archer Meyerkorth and Clara Hays (excellent percentage); eighth grade – Leah Meyerkorth (highest grade percentage), Isabella Kroeger and Tenley Peshek (outstanding grade percentage), Stevie Gaines, Reese Herron, Alexi Stoner Grady Cook, and Hunter Bolin (excellent percentage); ninth grade – Karlie Gebhards (highest grade percentage), Cooper Daugherty and Raylynn Jenkins (outstanding grade percentage), and Kinley Lair and Levi Lucas (excellent grade percentage).

Dalton Jones presented the following Social Studies Awards: Sixth Grade Top Grade – Jack Bailey (98%), Seventh Grade Top Grade – Clara Hays and Avery Schomburg (97%), Eighth Grade Top Grade – Leah Meyerkorth (98%), and Citizenship Award – Damian Barth.

Jeremy Palmer presented Trap Shoot Awards to the following: eighth place team – Jadyn Geib (5th place sophomore division), Emma Teten (7th place lady division, 28th place junior division), Jessa Geib (13th place lady division, 19th place freshman division), Aidan Smyser (7th place freshman division), John Gillem (18th place freshman division), Izac Hurst (11th place sophomore division), Corbin Wallace (17th place sophomore division), Trenton Wallace (19th place senior division), and Kendan Melton (22nd place senior division). Those recognized for District Trap Shooting were Trenton Wallace, Emma Teten, Izac Hurst, Corbin Wallace, Jadyn Geib, Aidan Smyser, John Gillem, and Jessa Geib. Recognized for State Trap were Trenton Wallace, Emma Teten, Izac Hurst, Corbin Wallace, Jadyn Geib, Aidan Smyser, John Gillem, and Jessa Geib.

Stephanie Parsons presented the following Business Awards: Financial Guru Awards – Ryan Lucas (first semester), and Aricin Weber (second semester); and Outstanding Senior Business Awards – Zane Cook, Caleb Palmer, and Payten Shrader.

Paige Ralph presented the following Math/Science Awards: Top Five 6th Grade Science Students – Isaac Dougherty, Jack Bailey, Cy Vogler, Locke Chaney, Elaina Kroeger; Top Five 8th Grade Math Students – Leah Meyerkorth, Alexi Stoner, Isabella Kroeger, Tenley Peshek, Reese Herron; Top 5 Algebra I Students – Karlie Gebhards, Cooper Daugherty, Zoey Zach, Alyssa Brion, Raylynn Jenkins.

Kerri Rodriguez presented the following ELA Awards: Outstanding Achievement in 8th Grade Language Arts (An A all four quarters) – Stevie Gaines, Reese Herron, Isabella Kroeger, Rozlyn McCown, Leah Meyerkorth, Tenley Peshek, Grant Spiegel, Alex Stoner, Maddie Wilroy; Excellence in 8th Grade Language Arts (High Score) – Tenley Peshek; Outstanding Achievement in Language Arts I (An A all four quarters) – Talyn Amthor, Brandon Athen, Alyssa Brion, Cooper Daugherty, Karlie Gebhards, Jessa Geib, Jaysen Hudson, Raylynn Jenkins, Eliza Mason, Audrie Meyerkorth, Olivia Roup, Jaxson Smith, Bentley Teten, Braylyn Wood, Zoey Zach; Excellence in Language Arts I (High Score) – Karlie Gebhards; Outstanding Achievement in College Prep Senior Research (An A all four quarters) – Cali Driskell, Avery Meyerkorth, Payten Shrader, Malachi Skillen; Excellence in College Prep Senior Research (High Score) – Cali Driskell.

Jennifer Rueckert presented the following Art Awards: 6th Grade Quarter 1 – Locke Chaney, Isaac Dougherty, Alex Gibson, Caisyn Hall, Jackson Hogue, Elaina Kroeger, Rogan McCown, Lane Seeley, Kipton Waigand, Tara Wamsley; 7th Grade Quarter 2 – Chord Christians, Kenni Davis,  Zeke Gebhards, Jaxson Hale, Jadyn Jakub, Jovie Millsap, Maeve Roup, Avery Schomburg, Harper Wood; 6th Grade Quarter 3 – Jack Bailey, Taylor Cook, Kambrie Driskell, Ali Ellis, Mason Hale, Emily Herrington, Anthony Masonbrink, Andy Meyerkorth, Nella Steuter, Cy Vogler; 7th Grade Quarter 4 – Aleyda Clodfelter, Joci Culp * (6th), Clara Hays, Archer Meyerkorth, Ryan Sharpless;8th Grade 100% – Grady Cook, Isa Kroeger, Rozlyn McCown, Tenley Peshek, Lexi Stoner, Anna Weber; High School 100% 1st and 2nd semesters – Alyssa Brion and Amelia Mason; High School 100% 1st semester – Skylar Stoner, Kenni Davis, Zeke Gebhards, Jaxson Hale, Jadyn Jakub, Jovie Millsap, Maeve Roup, Avery Schomburg, Ryan Sharpless, Harper Wood

Amy Skillen presented the following Scholar Bowl Awards: Certificate of Participation – Alyssa Brion and Leo Grimes; Letter Winners – Mya Welch, Lily Wilroy, Logan Lomax, Spencer Newbanks, and Malachi Skillen; All-Conference and All-District – Malachi Skillen (most points scored in the conference).

She also presented Mass Media Awards to Karlie Gebhards, Raylynn Jenkins, Jaylynn Jones, Olivia Roup, Braylyn Wood (Second Most Photos Used and  Jostens Photo Contest Honorable Mention), Landrey Kelly, Tatum Vogler (Photography Editor, Third Most Photos Used), Jacoby Driskell (Business Manager; Most Photos Used, Blue Jay Corner Content Editor), Ella Meyerkorth (PhotoShop Guru), Keira Roup, Emma Teten (Photography Editor), Norah Watkins, Cali Driskell (Blue Jay Editor), Avery Meyerkorth (Blue Jay Editor), and Malachi Skillen (Blue Jay Editor).

Mark Twain Readers (successfully read at least five nominees) were Locke Chaney and Kipton Waigand. Locke Chaney, Ali Ellis, and Kipton Waigand were on the Thirsty for Winning team at Battle of the Books. Lincoln Leichliter was also a team member.

Stephen Gaines presented the Tony Gaines Sportsmanship and Dedication Award to Stevie Gaines and Leah Meyerkorth.

Tiffanie Gaines presented junior high cheerleading awards to Aleyda Clodfelter, Stevie Gaines, Ellie Garst, Reese Herron, Leah Meyerkorth, Jovie Millsap, Maeve Roup, Avery Schomburg, and Harper Wood.

The 275 Scholar Athlete Award recognizes conference athletes who achieve at high levels both in and out of the classroom. The Scholar Athlete Award can be attained by juniors and seniors that have lettered in a MSHSAA sponsored activity, maintain a minimum of 3.75 GPA and either score advanced on at least one EOC or have a composite ACT score of at least 24. Recipients were Desmond Chaney, Sophia Storm, Claire Miller, Audrey Dougherty, Gabriel Gebhards, Jack Meyerkorth, Landrey Kelly, Mya Welch, Tatum Vogler, Keira Roup, Ryder Herron, Tayden Cook, Dylan Lair, Emma Teten, Norah Watkins, Hadleigh Jones, Ryan Lucas, Addison Maifeld, Jaymes Herron, Malachi Skillen, and Cali Driskell.

The MSHSAA Award of Excellence goes to the senior male and female who most exemplify citizenship, integrity, and positive sportsmanship as voted on by the entire Rock Port K-12 staff. This year’s recipients were Claire Spiegel and Ryan Lucas.

The Outstanding Senior Athlete Award is four years in the making. Student athletes earn points for achievements such as receiving a varsity letter, post season awards, and team success. There is also a coach’s vote component. Avery Meyerkorth and Corbyn Jakub received the Outstanding Senior Athletes Awards.

The Music and Auxiliary received the 2025 Organization of the Year Award, and the Competitive Team of the Year was awarded to the high school girls’ basketball team.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

The final award presented was the 6-12 Outstanding Educator of the Year. This award is voted on by the high school staff. Mrs. Kerri Rodriguez read the following:

It is my great honor and privilege to stand before you to recognize someone whose impact on our school community is immeasurable: our Educator of the Year, Mrs. Shauna Farmer.

Mrs. Farmer, a 1988 graduate of Rock Port, went on to complete a teaching degree through Northwest Missouri State University. Her first few years of education were spent in the North and West Nodaway school districts, but once a position became available in Rock Port in 1997, she began her legacy in our school.

Shauna married W.C. in 1993, and together they raised three children: Chandler, a 2014 graduate of Rock Port, Kaleigh, a 2016 graduate of Rock Port, and Makenna, a 2021 graduate of Rock Port. Mrs. Farmer has been an elementary guidance counselor, a middle school math teacher, and a high school guidance counselor in our district, but those are just titles. Her lasting impact and influence on students and her colleagues alike tells us so much more.

Mrs. Farmer began working at our school when chalkboards were the standard and overhead projectors were cutting-edge technology. Since then, she has weathered every change in curriculum, technology, and teaching trend with grace, always focused on what matters most: the students.

When we think about the heart of a school, we often think of the teachers in classrooms or administrators in charge, but there’s another kind of leader – demanding, steady, always present – whose work shapes lives just as profoundly. That leader, for us, is Mrs. Farmer.

For years – decades, in fact – she has been a cornerstone of our district. A veteran in every sense of the word, she brings not only experience and wisdom, but a deep care for every student who walks through our doors. A lifetime of commitment, passion, and quiet excellence has left a lasting impact in every hallway, every classroom, and every heart that has passed through our doors. She has shown up early, stayed late, and put in the kind of invisible labor that builds a school’s soul – the extra phone calls, the encouraging notes, the late nights spent worrying about students as if they were her own.

As a guidance counselor, Mrs. Farmer does far more than help students pick classes or apply for college. She listens – really listens – when a student feels lost. She offers a calm voice when anxiety is high. She celebrates triumphs and sits beside those facing heartbreak. Her office has been a refuge, a launchpad, and a lifeline.

But her contributions don’t end there.

She’s the one staying late to help organize events, stepping in when a colleague needs support, and mentoring new staff members who quickly learn that “Ask Mrs. Farmer” is always good advice. She knows the stories behind the data, the challenges behind the behavior, and the dreams behind every face in the hallway. She’s a school mom, a coach, a therapist, a confidante, and sometimes – miraculously – all of these at once.

Students trust her. Adults trust her. And that trust is earned, day after day, by the way she shows up – with grace, with grit, and with a heart that never seems to run out of space for others.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Mrs. Farmer pours her soul into this school. She has touched lives in ways that will ripple for generations because when someone believes in you the way she does, it changes everything.

So today, we don’t just celebrate an educator. We celebrate a life of service, a model of compassion, and a presence that has made our school better in every possible way. Her service to our school is a reason to celebrate, not just a career, but a calling – a lifetime spent believing in the power of education and, more importantly, in the potential of every child. That kind of devotion can’t be measured on a timecard or in test scores. It’s measured in changed lives, and there are many.

Please join me in thanking and congratulating our 2025 Educator of the Year, Mrs. Shauna Farmer.

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Ryan Lucas, this year’s Student Body President, passed the key to Dylan Lair, next year’s Student Body President.