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Samuel Austin Allen, an 1898 graduate of Joplin High School, received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1902. He returned to Joplin to begin practicing architecture and is responsible for designing many of our community’s prominent buildings, including the current Joplin Schools Administration building, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Jewish Synagogue. 

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Debi Vowels-Durham graduated from Parkwood High School in 1978 and Missouri Southern State University in 1984. She has excelled in regional leadership and economic development. Her work has been dedicated to revitalizing communities and creating economic development, beginning first as president of the Miami, Okla., Chamber of Commerce. She later led award-winning initiatives in North Sioux City, SD, South Sioux City, NE, and Sioux City, IA. By aligning those communities, Ms.Durham helped create a model of regional collaboration that garnered national attention. She is the first woman to lead the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and in 2019 also assumed the role of Director of the Iowa Finance Authority, overseeing housing, infrastructure, and financing programs statewide. 

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Vance Powell, winner of multiple Grammy and Country Music Awards, graduated from Parkwood High School in 1982. He began his professional career in local music venues before touring and moving to Nashville, where he formed relationships with such stars as Tammy Wynette, Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride and Jack White, among others. His work as a producer, live sound engineer, and recording studio audio mixer has allowed him to work with many notables in the rock, country, gospel, indie and blues music industry. 

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Dan L. Stanley, a long-time Joplin businessman, was a 1963 graduate of Joplin High School. After graduation from Westminster College in Fulton, Stanley served in the US Army before returning to Joplin to begin his business career as an owner of several car dealerships. He was vice president of a local bank for several years before becoming an award-winning financial advisor with Edward Jones, retiring in 2023. Stanley has also served our community on many boards, helping to sponsor and raise funds for charitable organizations. 

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Jack Holden, a 1939 graduate of Joplin High School, is this year’s Meritorious Award recipient. A 30-year teacher in the Joplin School system, Holden was also known as “the voice of the Eagles,” as he was the announcer for the high school home football and basketball games. A veteran, Holden was active with the American Legion Post 13, served as a Post Commander, and was announcer for the American Legion baseball games played at Joe Becker Stadium.