Five Pioneers in Education will be in the spotlight on Monday, August 2, in recognition of their commitment and contributions to public education in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will recognize the 2021 Pioneers during the 60th Annual Cooperative Conference for School Administrators. The ceremony will take place during a luncheon with more than 500 school district leaders in attendance.

*Cindy O’Brien - Pioneer in Education Award Winner*

“These individuals are true champions of public education, striving for excellence and advocating for Missouri students throughout their careers as public servants,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “DESE is honored to bring together educators from across the state to recognize the trailblazing efforts of these Pioneers in Education.”

The following individuals will be honored as Pioneers in Education:

Lynn Beckwith, Jr. of Florissant, Nellie Harper of Warsaw, J.D. King of Macon, Ted Molitor, of O'Fallon, and Cindy O’Brien of Liberty who recently retired from the Kearney School District.

O’Brien spent more than 20 years in the Savannah R-III School District where she was the first female assistant principal at high schools in both Savannah and the Kearney School District. A scholarship was established in her name at Savannah to benefit aspiring educators, which she now provides matching funds for out of her own pocket. While officially retired, O'Brien continues to work at Kearney, mentoring new school administrators and helping at-risk students earn their diplomas.

State education officials have presented the Pioneer in Education awards for 46 years, which honor teachers, school administrators, citizens, and lawmakers for their distinguished careers and contributions to public education in Missouri.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story