Colorful seasonal autumn background pattern, Vibrant carpet of fallen forest leaves. Copy-space concept.
The Four States NPR News Source
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Updated 06/18/2024 - KRPS 89.9 FM is fully operational, broadcasting at 100,000 watts

Nominations open for Joplin Schools Hall Of Fame

Hall of Fame members will be showcased and highlighted in a permanent installation located in the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin Schools Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the 2023 class of the Joplin Schools Hall of Fame.

Nominations are accepted year-round, but the deadline to be considered for the 2023 class of inductees is Monday, May 1. Joplin Schools Foundation member and Hall of Fame Committee Chair Bryan Vowels said “We were thrilled with the high quality of inductees we had in our 2022 inaugural class. We are just as excited to hear the stories of our upcoming 2023 nominees!” The Foundation’s Hall of Fame project was created to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding alumni from Joplin High School, Lincoln School, Memorial High School, and Parkwood High School. Representatives from the Joplin Schools Foundation believe that by honoring Joplin Schools’ history in recognizing these individuals who have excelled in their career and life, current students may be inspired to realize that no dream is out of reach. Nominees may be honored posthumously, and must have graduated at least 25 years prior to their nomination. Last year’s inaugural Hall of Fame inductees included Dr. Katherine Browne, Dr. Emerson Foulke, Jim Goodknight, Henry Robertson, and Mary Curtis Chenoweth Warten. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, the Foundation will also honor a Meritorious Award winner. The Meritorious Award recognizes an individual who did not attend Joplin Schools, but who, through leadership, service and/or support, has demonstrated extraordinary contributions to Joplin Schools and the local education community. Last year’s Meritorious Award was given to Melissa Fuell Cuther.An induction ceremony is being planned for October 2023. A digital nomination packet is available at www.JoplinSchools.org/Get_Involved/Joplin_Schools_Foundation/Alumni_Recognition Hall of Fame members will be showcased and highlighted in a permanent installation located in the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center. Joplin Schools students and community members will be encouraged to view the installation as desired.

Since 2017 Fred Fletcher-Fierro has driven up Highway 171 through thunderstorms, downpours, snow, and ice storms to host KRPS’s Morning Edition. He’s also a daily reporter for the station, covering city government, elections, public safety, arts, entertainment, culture, sports and more. Fred has also spearheaded and overseen a sea change in programming for KRPS from a legacy classical station to one that airs a balance of classical, news, jazz, and cultural programming that better reflects the diverse audience of the Four States. For over two months in the fall of 2022 he worked remotely with NPR staff to relaunch krps.org to an NPR style news and information website.

In the fall of 2023 Fred was promoted to Interim General Manager and was appointed GM in Feburary of 2024.