A group of local educators stand on stage during the East Central College National Education Association Inspirers of Excellence Award Ceremony on May 7, 2026. The group poses for a photo beneath a large screen displaying the event title and ECC NEA logo.

ECC NEA Recognizes Local Educators

May 24, 2026 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 35 high school teachers from the region recently recognized for the influence they have had on East Central College students and their dedication to teaching.

The educators were presented Inspirer of Excellence Awards on May 7 by the East Central College chapter of the National Education Association (NEA). ECC students nominated their former high school teachers who made an impact in their lives and educational journeys.

ECC faculty members Jenifer Goodson, EMS Program Director; Lisa Hanneken, business instructor; and Katie Holtmeyer, English instructor, served as co-chairs of the Inspirer of Excellence Teacher Recognition Award Ceremony held in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

In the nominations, students wrote about their former teachers and why they should be recognized as Inspirers of Excellence.

The following educators and retirees were recognized:

  • Ginny Pope
  • Diane Shoemaker
  • Michael Orf
  • Dustin Howard
  • Tyler Ahring
  • Amy Quertermous
  • Sarah Manno
  • Vicki Harvey
  • Susie Ashby
  • Kevin Daharsh
  • Emily Mullen
  • Bonnie Hall
  • Logann Cardin
  • Elizabeth Hogan
  • Kandice McCuskey
  • Carmen Ruszala
  • Drew Reed
  • Renee Kruse
  • Valerie Foster
  • Tim Karth
  • Sandra Dews
  • Valarie McEuen
  • Melissa Bestgen
  • Alicia Schoonover
  • Tina Kluesner
  • Claire Smith
  • Michael Underberg
  • Kyle Ellrich
  • Jessie Katz
  • Karen Fixsal
  • Jim Parsons, retired
  • Jessica Fitzgerald
  • Chris Lanemann
  • Nathan Cabot
  • Mike Olszowka