Hall of Leaders

Dr. Hugh Stephenson

Distinguished faculty member University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Medical researcher whose work led to the development of CPR.

In 1996 appointed to University of Missouri Board of Curators.

Dr. Fredrick Robbins

Received Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine.

Medical researcher whose work led to the Salk polio vaccine.

Faculty member of Harvard Medical School.

Phillip LaZebnik

Founded Harvard Premiere Society, a theater organization.

Writer/producer of over 20 musicals.

Television and film screenplay writer.

Charles Digges, Sr.

Pilot in World War II and Korean War.

President Rollins-Vandiver-Digges, Inc. Insurance Company.

Selected Outstanding Citizen of the Year 1985.

Shirley Townsend

Building volunteer at multiple schools for 20 years.

Designed and operated sports concession stand at Hickman High School.

Raymond Lewis

Member CPS Board of Education 1970–1986, president 1974-78.

Founded the Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence.

Shirley Beckett

Volunteers as reading coach and mentor at Shepard Elementary School.

Provides musical accompaniment at school assemblies.

Dr. Russell Thompson

Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools 1976-1994.

Selected twice as one of North America’s top 100 educators.

1988 Missouri’s first Superintendent of the Year.

Margaret Niemeyer

Principal Grant Elementary 1978 – 1989.

First Principal of Mill Creek Elementary School 1989.

CPS Outstanding Administrator 1989.

Constance Guy

CPS kindergarten teacher 1958-1985.

1985 CPS Outstanding Educator K – 3.

Instructional leader, colleague mentor, inspirational teacher.

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