Future melds with tradition

Awards were presented during the 2017 JCPS Foundation Gala at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
Awards were presented during the 2017 JCPS Foundation Gala at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

The theme of this year's annual Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation gala was "Honoring Tradition - Building the Future," befitting of the year when voters approved the funding for a second high school.

Previously shared renderings of the new high school at Mission Drive off Missouri 179 and the renovated existing high school decorated the area of the atrium of Capitol Plaza Hotel adjacent to its ballroom where the dinner and program took place Tuesday night.

The table-top decor featured toy construction tools and cardboard red bricks - "building the future."

"Honoring tradition" took the form of the latest round of inductees to the Foundation's Hall of Leaders, introduced by the Foundation's President Steve Brennaman:

Central Bank for Foundation Donor. Central Bank President and CEO Dave Minton and Vice Chairman Bob Robuck received the award and gave remarks. "Why do we do it? The program says it best; it's to make Jefferson City a better place to live, to work, to grow and to learn," Robuck said.

Rod Nolke, posthumously for Outstanding Retired Educator. Former co-worker Marcia Heberle said, "Rod could easily teach the fundamentals of basketball or create a health lesson. But the true magic of Rod Nolke was his ability to connect with students, parents and co-workers."

Dan Renfrow for Outstanding Volunteer. "Dan was instrumental in writing some of the finest donor proposals for individuals and donor corporations that I've ever seen," Foundation Executive Director Karen Enloe said.

Don and Linda Eisinger for Foundation Donor. Daughter Laura Naught said her parents have a long history of supporting education through teaching and working with Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Eisingers also partnered with the Foundation to support the district's Teacher of the Year program. In two years, Naught said she knows her parents will be at Moreau Heights Elementary School to send off their grandson, "and just like I used to roll my eyes saying 'yes, I'm Mrs. Eisinger's daughter,' or 'yes, Don is my dad,' Anderson will be rolling his eyes saying 'yes, they are my grandparents.'"

Dennis Lock for Outstanding Retired Educator. Assistant activities director for JCHS Chad Rizner said, "Mr. Lock approached his classes and his council with the energy and spirit that made us all want to be the best."

Judge Cotton Walker for Distinguished Alumni. Erika Leonard, vice president of development for the Foundation, said, "His passion for the Jefferson City Public Schools is clearly and directly linked to his personal experience as a Jay, and his desire to make this community better for generations to come." A 1984 JCHS graduate, Walker has served as a municipal judge since his election in 2011 and is active in many community efforts and organizations.

Sixty-five individuals and organizations have been inducted into the Foundation's Hall of Leaders since 2008, including this year's seven.

Enloe said 16 past Hall of Leader inductees were present at the gala.

Plaques commemorating the 2017 inductees will be permanently displayed on the second floor of the Miller Performing Arts Center, according to the gala's program for the evening.

"As you ponder 'Honoring Traditions - Building the Future,' consider these words: 'Keep all special thoughts and memories for a lifetime to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future,'" Enloe told the audience, quoting the late child poet and peace activist Mattie Stepanek.

In the vein of building for the future, JCPS Superintendent Larry Linthacum shared that more than 1,000 submissions have already been made to name the second high school.

Enloe said Tuesday's gala featured the largest group of event sponsors to date: ACI Boland, Capital Region Medical Center, Central Bank, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, DLR Group, Fechtel Beverage, Hawthorn Bank, George and Gayleen Ousley, Jefferson Bank, Major Saver, Questec and Architects Alliance.

Numerous other individuals, businesses and organizations sponsored tables.

Entertainment for the evening's reception and program featured the Jefferson City High School Orchestra String Quartet, the JCHS Drumline and JCHS' Tonal Uproar choir group.