Hall of Fame

Mr. William Cornelius, Class of 1949
Former Chairman of the Board and President of Union Electric
Mr. Charles Fillmore, Class of 1939
Unity School of Christianity
Mr. Harold Hook, Class of 1949
Former Chairman of the Board and CEO of American General Co.
Mr. Russell Long, Class of 1941
Former senior director of research and manager of technology for Gulf Oil Chemicals; holds patent on Polyurethane
Ms. Violet Mahan, Class of 1936
Distinguished career in the military and medicine; served on frontlines in World War II; recipient of both Bronze and Silver Stars

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene (1939) and Margaret Browning (1941)
Distinguished musicians; founder of a family traveling music show; first couple to be inducted into the Hall of Fame
Ms. Lucile (Ludy) Davidson, Class of 1943
All American National Amateur Team in basketball; won 23 national tennis titles; Kansas City Sports Hall of Fame
Dr. Lisa Arel-Hammer, Class of 1988
National Collegiate Gymnast of the Year (1992); former NCAA Women of the Year recipient; Academic All-American; medical doctor
Dr. Ralph C. Hook, Class of 1941
Former Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Hawaii; authored many books and articles
Mr. Pat Metheny, Class of 1972
Internationally known jazz musician and composer; has won 16+ Grammy Awards and has been named Best Jazz Guitarist
Dr. Ralph Powell, Class of 1934
Practiced chiropractic medicine; former alderman and Mayor in Lee’s Summit (1964-68)

Dr. William Bell, Class of 1942
Prominent physician; past President of Lee’s Summit Hospital staff and active in St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation
Dr. Dale Cooper, Class of 1977
Principal scientist for Proctor and Gamble’s Nutritional Service Institute; develops foods for the management of disease
Dr. Robert K. Dixon, Class of 1973
Deputy assistant secretary for U.S. Department of Energy; has served three U.S. Presidents as a science and policy advisor
Dr. Richard Ortiz, Class of 1976
Prominent Kansas City physician in the area of family practice; recognized musician and composer
Dr. Russell Ritter, Class of 1944
Practiced optometry for 40 years; active civic leader; former member of R-7 Board of Education; accomplished trombone player

Mr. Glen Chambers, Class of 1954
Prominent career in wildlife cinematography, photography, research, management and fundraising for habitat preservation
Mr. Charles (Russ) Davis, Class of 1963
Distinguished military career with U.S. Air Force; received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star
Ms. Sarah C. Osborn, Class of 1984
Prominent lawyer; expertise in corporate security, emerging technologies and governing electronic communications
Mr. Walter Pinnell, Class of 1965
Past Chairman and CEO of Mark Twain Banks; past President of American Bank and North American Savings Bank
Dr. R. Roger Rowe, Class of 1947
Former Superintendent of Schools in California; serves on the Board of Scripps Hospitals
Dr. Bernard C. Campbell, Honorary Graduate of Lee’s Summit High School Distinguished career in education for 46 years; served as Superintendent of R-7 School District for 37 years; civic leader

Ms. Sara M. Cunningham, Class of 1986
Chief executive officer of Benitec, a public biotechnology company; helped form the Creative Minds Foundation
Dr. Dayna Early, Class of 1982
Associate professor of medicine at Washington University in St. Louis; author of numerous publications in the medical field
Mr. David Mark Israelite, Class of 1986
Deputy chief of staff and counselor to the U.S. attorney general; helps manage Dept. of Justice’s $21 billion annual budget
Ms. Shannon L. Jipsen, Class of 1984
Pilot for UPS and a professional speaker and author; wrote the book Conversations on Success
Ms. Jan Winburn, Class of 1972
Assistant managing editor for The Baltimore Sun; newspaper consultant and teacher of writing and journalism

Mr. Matt Lewis, Class of 1991
Recognized as one of the world’s top Elvis Presley performers by USA Today; performs at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas as well as abroad; has hosted benefit concerts for charity
Dr. Darryl K. Nelson, Class of 1980
Currently senior member of Family Health Specialists of Lee’s Summit; provides sports physicals for student athletes, band students, and Special Olympics athletes from local schools
Ms. Laurie Calzada, Class of 1986
Entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, consultant, and trainer; has presented on topics such as leadership, mastering change, coaching, living life with passion, technology, and sales throughout the U.S.
Mr. Shawn Dulohery, Class of 1983
U.S. Olympian and world champion skeet shooter; consultant to Daisy B.B. Co. where he is involved in youth education and safety programs; motivational speaker who shares his “triple D” message of devotion, dedication, and desire

Mr. James T. Brockman, Special Honoree
Served as a Missouri educator for 40 years; spent 26 years in the R-7 School District (19 years as Principal of LSHS and seven years as coordinator of secondary education.) Organized the first National Honor Society within the R-7 schools and helped organize the first NHS convention in Missouri.
Mr. T. Robert Belser, Class of 1944
Served for 24 years as the senior vice president of the Bank of Lee’s Summit. Served on the LSHS Hall of Fame committee, is an active Boy Scout leader; original member of the R-7 citizens advisory committee, and has volunteered more than 1,900 hours to the Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
Mrs. Diane Jenkins, Class of 1992
Special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Billings, Montana. Is an active volunteer in her church youth program and in local schools. Previously served as a volunteer victims’ advocate in Colorado.
Dr. Susan Ann Miller, Class of 1958
Retired associate dean of education from Northern Arizona University. Served in education for 38 years, teaching in Lee’s Summit, MO, Fulton, MO, and Brussels, Belgium. Has written federal grants which have funded more than $2 million to support teacher training for Navajo and Hispanic students.
Mr. Joseph M. Piccinini, Class of 1979
Currently serves as Chief of Police for the Lee’s Summit Police Department and has spent 24 years in law enforcement. Serves on the Lee’s Summit CARES Board, Lee’s Summit Character Council and the Lee’s Summit Coalition to Curb Underage Drinking.

Mr. William Joseph Cox, Class of 1941
Conservationalist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 30 years. Joined the Peace Corps after retirement.
Mr. Michael G. Gaffney, Class of 1967
United States Navy Officer for 26 years. Captain of Nuclear Missle Cruiser. Managing executive of several nuclear power plants in the United States.
Mr. Patrick J. Gaffney, Class of 1965
Field operative for the Central Intelligence Agency
Mr. Michael Sharp, Class of 1977
Served as Jackson County Sheriff and spent a total of 26 years in law enforcement in the Kansas City area.
Mr. Matthew Tegenkamp, Class of 2000
Professional Track and Field Athlete. American record holder in the 2 mile race and 2008 Olympian.

Mrs. Roby Combs Little, Class of 1970
Teacher in the Lee’s Summit School District from 1974 to 2001. Director of Lee’s Summit Cares.
Mr. Lyle Brizendine, Class of 1970
Executive at Boatman’s Bank, TIAA-CREF, and Bank of America. Director of Development of Major Gifts at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mr. Scott Graham, Class of 1974
Sales executive at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Volunteer for Lee’s Summit Junior Basketball Association and Lee’s Summit High School
Mr. Scott C. Wehner, Class of 1976
Vice President of Chaparral Energy Corporation
Ms. Phyllis Clark Balagna, Class of 1976
Owner of Steppin’ Out – The Studio in Lee’s Summit. Member of the Lee’s Summit R7 School Board

The Honorable Dana M. Altieri, Class of 1994
Graduated from MU in 1998, Juris Doctorate from UMKC in 2001. Currently a Judge for City of Lee’s Summit as of 2010. Has a practicing law firm, has addressed local high school students as well as Special Olympics and Salvation Army volunteer
Lt. Col. Nathan D. Flint, Class of 1994
Graduated from USAF Academy in 1998, pilot training in 1999, positions in operational flying along with a three-time deployment record, many honorable mililtary achievements
Ms. Deborah A. Herman, Class of 1978
Graduated from Brigham Young Univ. Became Nat’l Sales Mgr for Bedspreads of CA in 1982, launched Fabric Innovations. She is also the Inter’l ambassador for NEWH that gives scholarships to students and professionals
Mr. Oliver F. Hook, Class of 1942
US Naval Aviation Training Program (V-5), MBA in finance in 1959, VP for 15 years in the Kidder Peabody Div. of General Electric, retired as VJP of UBS Corp.
Ms. Amy Elisabeth Rudolph, Class of 1987
Executive Medical Director of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, responsible for development, licensing and technology of many medications, has 13 patents and numerous articles spanning preclinical research, clinical trial development and outcomes research

Mrs. Lois Rygaard Brayfield, Class of 1978
BFA in Graphics Design and Advertising from UCM, Professional Direct Marketing Accreditation from UMKC, Honorary PhD from Hannibal-LaGrange Univ. Award winning cross-channel marketer.
Mr. Robert (Bob) N. Hartnett, Class of 1974
BLA in Landscape Architecture from KSU, City of LS, Deputy Director of Public Works, Appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon in 2015 as chairman of the MO Board of Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects.
Mr. Laurence Pressly, Class of 1949
MU graduate, dairy specialist for West Central MO, Agribusiness Mgr. of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater KC. Ran the Amer. Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo, Senior Broker Assoc. for Reece Nichols Co.
Mr. Nelson F. (Nikk) Thompson, Class of 1969
Attended and taught at West Point Academy, joined 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam, Organizational Leadership BA at Calvary Bible College and Christian Studies MA from Calvary Theological Seminary. Oficer for city of LS, worked developing the Crisis Intervention Team.

Warren S. Brown, Class of 1958
Holds a master’s degree at Indiana University, a B.S. in Education from Kansas State University, and through ROTC, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Served as assistant director of the National Federation of State High School Associations from 1981- l992, and as Executive Director of USA Basketball from 1992 – 2000.
Ken Davis, Class of 1962
After serving in the Army, served as a civilian employee of the KC Police Department for 28 years. He is a life member of the Missouri State Historical Society, the Jackson County Historical Society and the LS Historical Society and was awarded Missouri Life Membership in the LS Elementary unit of PTA in 1997.
Dr. Albert Johnson, Class of 1967
Holds an AB in Psychology from Baker University, MA in Education from UMKC, MA in Anthropology from KU, and a PhD in Education from KU. He served as Dean of the KU Law School and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Great Falls, Vice President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in Redmond, WA and was awarded a Smithsonian Institute Faculty Merit Development Grant.
Wanda “Lynn” Olive, Class of 1967
As a lifelong resident of the Lee’s Summit Community, had careers as a cosmetologist and Certified Paralegal. Long term advocate for women in domestic violence cases. Spent her lifetime in service to her community.Laurie (Pressley) Schwab, Class of 1987Holds a degree in music from UMKC. Served as an accompanist, organist, and pit master in churches, schools, and theaters in the KC area. Founded a nonprofit outreach organization serving unsheltered individuals and families with housing, medical, dental, mental health, transportation, and employment needs.

Kaysie Brown, Class of 1997
Holds a master’s degree from the University of Oxford and a B.A. with honors in International Relations from Lewis & Clark University. Worked at the Department of State as the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor and as a Senior Program Officer. Serves as a Senior Advisor in the Biden-Harris Administration, focusing on global covid diplomacy at the Department of State.
Michael S. Dodig, Class of 1992
Served as a paratrooper and instructor in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He attended college at UMKC and law school at The University of Chicago. He is an activecommunity member, with service on boards and commissions, including LS City Council, R-7 School board, Economic Development Council, LS Historic Society, and LS Theater Group.
Sue Ficken Hart, Class of 1965
Holds B.S. from Park College. She worked for AT&T, winning two national awards, and for Twentieth Century Investments, (American Century) ending her career as a Vice President of Account Services, and receiving the Leadership Award. Sue’s community service in LS includes leadership roles in LS Social Services and LS Historic Society.
Dr. Toni Picerno Kilts, Class of 2004
Holds a Doctorate of Osteopathy from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She completed a gynecologic oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and obtained a M.S. in Clinical and Translational Science. She is a gynecologic oncologist, has presented at numerous national conferences, and has published her work in leading peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. William (Bill) Richardson, Class of 1988
Holds degrees from Central Missouri State University (BME), Florida State University (MM- Trumpet), and University of Texas, Austin (DMA-Trumpet). He directs the jazz ensemble and teaches trumpet at Northwest Missouri State University. He was named “Dennis C. Dau Endowed Professor of Music” from 2018-2021.

Dr. James S. Jones, Class of 1969
Jim earned a BS in Computer Science at University of MO-Rolla, while also working at the Central Intelligence Agency. He continued at the CIA, teaching emerging technologies. Later, after teaching at Graceland College, and then earning a PhD from the University of Iowa, he returned to Graceland. Under his guidance, graduates secured positions in leading tech companies or earned doctorates for research and teaching careers. Jim was awarded Faculty Emeritus and retired in 2014. He maintains a lifelong commitment to volunteerism.
Ronald “Gene” Clark, Class of 1962
Gene holds a B.S. with Honors in Physics, and a Ph.D. in nuclear physics from Iowa State University. He joined the Federal Energy Administration and was on the 1977 team that created the new Department of Energy. Gene rose to Director of its Nuclear and Alternate Fuels Division. He later became the first Executive Vice President of the NUEXCO-Russian joint-venture company, Global Nuclear Services and Supply Limited. In 1995, Gene co-founded TradeTech, a premier company in the uranium market and In 2009, he formed TradeTech Energy.
Dr. Rayna Grothe, Class of 1974
Rayna Grothe, M.D. is a pediatric gastroenterologist. In 2019, the Mayo Clinic Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine recognized Dr. Rayna Grothe as “Pediatric Clinician of the Year” for her “outstanding clinical expertise and leadership in clinical innovations. “As a Mayo Clinic Emeritus Consultant post-retirement, Dr. Grothe is currently doing outreach clinic for the Medical University of South Carolina. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology.

Ms. Gladys Alkire, Class of 1929
Distinguished music teacher in Lee’s Summit for over 60 years; listed in “International: Who’s Who in Music”
Sen. Paul Coverdell, Class of 1957
Former United States Senator from Georgia; past director of the Peace Corps.
Dr. Robert “Bud” Hertzog, Class of 1948
Missouri Veterinary Medicine Assn. leader; former member of Jackson County Legislature and R-7 Board of Education
Mr. George R. Rhodes, Class of 1942
Civic leader; served on Lee’s Summit City Council; awarded Bronze Star and three battle stars during World War II
Dr. William Sappenfield, Class of 1941
Distinguished academic and research career; authored and published many articles on the subject of cotton genetics

Dr. William Francis, Class of 1940
Former Vice President of Gulf Oil Chemical Co.; inventor/co-inventor of 21 U.S. patents; awarded two Bronze Stars in WWII
Ms. Ann Place Jones, Class of 1960
Prominent Canadian educator; former Superintendent of Schools in Nova Scotia
Mr. Vernon Jones, Sr., Class of 1947
Former President and CEO of Williams Pipeline Co.; CEO of Explorer Pipeline
Dr. James McKitterick, Class of 1944
Prominent veterinarian; past President of Southern California Veterinary Association; former civic leader in Mexico, MO.
Dr. Norman Stephenson, Class of 1960
Vanderbilt University faculty; leader at Vanderbilt Transplant Center; past President of Tennessee Psychological Association

Mrs. Nancy Blackwell, Class of 1963
Prominent civic leader and community volunteer; attorney with expertise in estate planning
Dr. Steven E. Shrader, Class of 1970
Dentist in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, for 21 years; founder of the Sayre Public School Foundation
Mr. Stan Slaughter, Class of 1964
Well-known “Eco-Troubadour at Large;” known for his environmental education publications and presentations
Mr. Dennis Smith, Class of 1969
Prominent Lee’s Summit educator; Greater Kansas City Principal of the Year; former Lee’s Summit alderman
Dr. Joe Stockard, Class of 1942
Physician; dedicated his life toward the reduction of tropical diseases; expert in campaign for control of river blindness

Dr. Robert S. Belser, Class of 1972
Recognized director of college bands; conductor and clinician
Melvin E. Blunt, Class of 1971
Award-winning D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer
Mr. Jack L. Campbell, Class of 1963
Successful attorney, state legislator, lobbyist, and civic leader
Dr. David L. Osborn, Class of 1987
Distinguished scientific researcher and accomplished carillon performer
Dr. Michael K. Shafé, Class of 1982
Recognized emergency-medicine physician and track-and-field award winner

Dr. Verna Brummett, Class of 1963
Teacher at Ithaca College in New York since 1990; authored numerous publications; presenter in the field of music education throughout the U.S.; current music teacher at PLMS
Mr. Edward A. Heinlein, Class of 1957
Retired attorney and corporate sales/marketing manager; the driving force behind the re-establishment of the class of 1957 as well as the establishment of a student scholarship in memory of Sen. Paul Coverdell
Mr. Manne Magady, Class of 1959
Recognized for his career in education as well as countless hours of civic activities in Lee’s Summit; has served on the LS R7 Board of Education since 1997
Dr. Nolan C. Rucker, Class of 1964
Co-founder, professor, and Dean of Education of Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology; featured on TV program ER Vets on Animal Planet
Mr. P. Terry Tucker, Class of 1965
Director of logistics, distribution, systems development, and replenishment for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; worked as an executive with Wal-Mart since 1982; served on the AR Governor’s 1996 transition team to interview and analyze the state’s Dept. of Higher Education

Mrs. Kathryn Moore Giangreco, Class of 1978
American History teacher in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. Outstanding American History teacher in Missouri in 2008. Co-Author of The American President, published by Barnes and Noble in 2009.
Mr. Lawrence Johnson, Class of 1945
Band and Chorus director of Kingsburg High School, Kingsburg, CA for 30 years. Began Jazz band at Kingsburg High School and introduced the Jazz Band as part of the California State Music Curriculum.
Mrs. Cindy L. (Hoover) Martin, Class of 1977
Appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District in 2009. Practiced law in the state of Missouri for 25 years. Partner. Member of the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation Board.
Mr. Jack R. Smith, Class of 1958
Co-owner/Chief Operations Officer/Vice President of Aerial Viewpoint Aerial Photography in Spring, TX. Largest Aerial Photography company in Texas. Capable of serving most of the United States.
Ruth Stafford, Class of 1944
Pilot for Globe Aero. Made 52 solo crossings of the Atlantic Ocean in a single engine, single passenger plane from 1970 to 1990. Conducted flight seminars from 1989 to 1994 for pilots.

Mrs. Bessie Miller Chittwood, Class of 1938
Teacher in the Raytown School District from 1963 to 1981.
Mrs. Carole Culbertson, Class of 1974
Downtown Lee’s Summit business and property owner.
Mr. Dale Hartley, Class of 1944
Local businessman and community icon in Lee’s Summit. Corner of Third and Douglas is known as Hartley’s Corner.
Mr. Kevin Charles Johnson, Class of 1983
Associate General Counsel and Director of the Intellectual Property Division of the Gillette Company.
Mr. Michael R. Nill, Class of 1982
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cerner.

Dr. Jeffrey Carter, Class of 1979
Choirmaster, composer and organist for several Episcopal Churches. Clinics, adjudications and workshops throughout the country
Mr. Marvin Ensworth, Class of 1952
Active local civic leader, serving on numerous boards as well as two terms as LS mayor
Dr. James Williams, Class of 1963
As a dentist, served in many ways to better the field of hygiene. Helped buid a children’s orphange in Vietnam while on tour duty
Mr. Mark Bradford, Class of 1977
Fire Chief of Lawrence, KS and former LS firefighter. Serves on his local school board as well as numerous civic boards
Ms. Shannon Lawrence, Class of 1977
Owner and founder of Heartland Music Academy and Supply. Started numerous children’s choirs and workshops as well as local civic boards, including the local symphony

Mr. Brian Clark, Class of 1987
National Merit finalist, co-founded GMD Studios in 1995, MU graduate, catalyst for the expansion of the Film Society’s Convergence Program for interactive content
Lt. Col. Joseph B. Waller, Class of 1982
USAF, 1982 and USAF Reserve, 1986. Commissioned in 1997 through the Academy of Military Science, MU graduate, serves as wing performance manager, 442nd Fighter Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, MO.
Mrs. Kim Headley Fritchie, Class of 1977
LS R-7 Education Specialist, serving on education and community boards, Asst. Prin. of PLMS, devoted her life to her family, career, and community.
Mrs. Mary Ann Rhoads, Class of 1966
Graduated MU with a BS Ed, earned her M.Ed.-Special Education. She retired in 2003 as Spec. Ed. Process Coord for LS R-7
Mr. Robert P. Dunning, Class of 1957
Served three years in the USMC, earned a BS in Business Administration at UCM, Western Electric/AT&T 31 years until retirement in 1997, past leader in the Boy Scout Troop 264 and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Mr. Terry Sappenfield, Class of 1963
Holds a Masters in Chemical Engineering from MU. 37+ year career with Exxon developing sales and marketing domestic and internationally, handled major United Way responsibilities.
Mr. J.R. Hobbs, Class of 1974
Juris Doctorate from UMKC. Emphasis in criminal defense, white collar crim, commercial litigation. Recipient of Lon Hock Award, KCMBA Congenial Counselor Award. Former President of UMKC Law Foundation.
Mr. Charles Duane Muckey, Class of 1980
CMSU degree in Aviation Technology. Certified flight instructor, 27 year airline career. Airline transport pilot. Honor of flying US Troops. Flies an air ambulance for Children’s Mercy in KC.
Ms. Jennifer Elliott, Class of 1990
BA/MD at UMKC. Chief resident in Anesthesiology, pain management fellowship. Director of Chronic Pain Management at St. Luke’s Hospital. Member of Institutional Review Board. Published articles.
Col. Jori Jones Robinson, Class of 1995
Career military officer. Distinguished graduate from Intelligence Officer Schoolk, decorated Cyberspace Warfare Officer. Work directly with Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Secretary of Air Force, commanders of USAF in Europe and US Cyber Command.

Ray Betts Davis, Class of 1915
Ray’s professional life involved work as a bank officer. She worked 45 years, retiring in 1974 as First Vice President of Farmers Trust Company in Lee’s Summit. Ray became one the first women elected to serve on a school board in Missouri. Ray was a trailblazer for the women of Lee’s Summit.
Dr. Rebekkah Johnson Stuteville, Class of 1987
Holds a B.A. and an M.A. in political science and a Ph.D. in political science/public administration from UMKC. She worked in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Served in administrative, education, and advisory roles at Park University and Kansas State University. She has published in the public administration and policy field worldwide.
Dr. Heather Lyons-Burney, Class of 1986
Holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from UMKC School of Pharmacy. Served as an inpatient clinical pharmacist serving neonatal and high-risk pregnancy families, a community pharmacy owner, an ambulatory care pharmacist, and a professor. Joined a leadership group in establishing an affordable health care clinic for the uninsured and under insured population in Missouri.
Susan Place Sims, Class of 1959
Taught 30 years in Lee’s Summit R-7 schools and 13 years at OLP. Holds a BS in Education from Missouri Valley College, UMKC Elementary Science Specialist certification, and KU gifted education certification. Her volunteer roles include work with LS Historic Society, LS Christian Church and 4-H. She was recognized as The Outstanding Young Woman of LSMO in 1975.
Dr. Don Cameron Thompson, Class of 1959
Founding member of the Lake Lotawana Water Ski Club, a professional skier, product developer and water ski designer, performer, and instructor. He enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and wears Naval Academy Wings of Gold and Army Master Aviator Wings. Flew for the Navy/Navy Reserves, Missouri Army National Guard, and retired in 2003 as an Army Lieutenant Colonel.

Vaughn Baker, Class of 1985
Served in US Army National Guard as a military policeman, and the Lee’s Summit and Independence police departments. Awarded LS Officer of the Year, 1992-93, the Medal of Valor,1997, for rescuing subjects in a burning residence, and the Meritorious Service Awards in 1995 and 1998. Volunteered during multiple disasters here and abroad.
Alicia Sage French, Class of 1993
Earned an ROTC Scholarship to University of Kansas, Bachelor of Nursing, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving 9 years. Selected as one of San Antonio’s top 10 nurses, received Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service from Dept. of Army, raises money for Cystic Fibrosis, and received Volunteer Service Award for Taft High School band.
Anthony Knopps, Class of 1982
Holds a BA in communications, MU, and an MA in Political Management, George Washington University. Was the first political director for Lilly Broadcasting. Suffered a brain injury in 2019, and then worked to create a scholarship fund for children of military personnel who have suffered a traumatic brain injury, initiated public partnerships to raise more than $1.1 million for St. Jude’s, and organized and delivered more than $25,000 worth of First Aid kits to Ukraine.
Dalton Vann, Class of 1984
An Ordained Pastor, Motivational Speaker, and Foster Parent. Served as an Educational Assistant at schools in TN and MO, a Head Varsity Football coach at Summit Christian Academy, starting the program at SCA, and as owner of Saints Athletic Club, a youth competitive sports club program.
Russell Weaver, Class of 1970
Holds a BA in Political Science, MU, and a Juris Doctor, MU. Served as a Professor of Law & Distinguished University Scholar at University of Louiville’s Brandeis School of Law, as a legal consultant to the constitutional commissions in Kyrghyzstan and Belarus, and as Executive Director and on Board of Trustees of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools.