Newsmakers

Audiology

Scott George, hearing instrument specialist and audiologist with Mid-America Hearing Center in Mt. Vernon, received the Gold Award for Outstanding Educational Achievement from the Missouri Hearing Society, for 2003. The society recognizes individuals who go beyond basic state continuing education requirements in order to provide superior service to patients and clients. George completed 38.5 hours of continuing education to receive the award.

Community

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks announced two staff additions.

Jennifer Westrich joined the organization as a case manager. She received a bachelor's degree in social work from Southwest Missouri State University, where she was a site supervisor for Big Brothers Big Sisters' after-school mentoring program.

Dustin Williams also joined the organization as a case manager. Williams holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Evangel University, and he has extensive experience working with individuals, families and groups.

Education

Springfield Public Schools announced the appointments of two new principals for the 2004-2005 school year.

Nate Quinn will be principal at Jarrett Middle School. He will replace Allen Grymes, who is retiring at the end of this year. Quinn earned his undergraduate degree at Drury University, his master's degree from Pittsburg State University and his doctorate in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He joined Springfield Public Schools in 1983, teaching science and biology at Hillcrest High School. In 1998, he became assistant principal at Hillcrest.

Justin Herrell was appointed principal at Hillcrest High School. He will replace Julie Leeth, who is retiring. Herrell earned his bachelor's degree from SMSU, where he also earned his master's degree. Herrell, who became a specialist in education in 2003, joined Springfield Public Schools in 1996 as a teacher at Central High School. In 2001, he became assistant principal at Parkview High School.

J.D. Lynch was appointed director of the new Ken and Jane Meyer Wellness and Sports Center at Southwest Baptist University. Lynch is an instructor of recreation at SBU, a position he has held since joining the faculty in 2001. He also serves as the family life minister for South Haven Baptist Church. He holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in recreation and park administration from Western Kentucky University. Lynch has initiated and managed three church recreation ministries in the last 30 years.

Finance

Angela Brown was promoted to loan originator at Union Planters Bank. She has 10 years of experience in the banking industry, including two years as a mortgage production supervisor.

Bank of America's Private Bank announced two staff promotions. Scott DeNeen was promoted to senior vice president. He continues as city executive for the Southern Missouri Private Bank offering, and he will continue to serve as a client advisor for the Private Bank, working with clients of wealth to develop tax-sensitive investment strategies to best meet client needs.

Rhonda Sorensen was promoted to assistant vice president with the Private Bank. She has been with Bank of America for seven years. She continues in her role as a private client manager.

Government

Greene County Presiding Commissioner David Coonrod was re-elected to serve as president of the Southwest Missouri Association of County Commissioners at its meeting held April 14 in Ozark. The Southwest Missouri Association of County Commissioners was established to develop cooperative relationships among commissioners in the southwest region of Missouri and provides an opportunity for its members to become better informed about issues critical to local government.

Mariah Patton, a student at Mt. Vernon High School, was appointed by U.S. Sen. Kit Bond to serve as a senate page for the 108th Congress. Messengers, known as pages, have served the U.S. Congress for more than 150 years. Pages must be high school juniors and at least 16 years old. The first page was appointed by Sen. Daniel Webster in 1829.

Service

Thomas Hornbuckle, Springfield franchisee of Two Men and A Truck, was honored at the franchise's annual meeting, where he received the Triple Diamond Marketshare Award. The award recognizes franchises that achieve a market share of 16 percent or more. He also received the One Million Dollar Club Award for 2003 revenue.