Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Chris Hon, a lifelong educator, was among eight Missouri superintendents nominated this year for the prestigious Robert L. Pearce Award, which is presented annually by the Missouri Association of School Administrators.

Hon was selected for the honor by his colleagues in the Southeast MASA District. He was recognized as a nominee during the awards banquet at the MASA spring conference on Wednesday, March 30, at Lake Ozark. The Pearce award program is a long-standing tradition of the association honoring excellence in education and community leadership among Missouri superintendents.

“Chris Hon is a true public education professional who has positively impacted many students and staff during his career,” said Kennett Superintendent Chris Wilson, district president. “It was an honor for the Southeast MASA District to nominate Mr. Hon for the Pearce Award and is a small token of appreciation for all he has done for public education in Southeast Missouri.”

The annual award was instituted in 1987 by Richard and David Pearce, then principals of the Pearce Corporation, a Missouri architectural firm specializing in educational facility planning. The awards purpose is to recognize the hard work and dedication of superintendents and their contributions to the children of Missouri.

Hon was additionally presented honorary life membership in recognition of his service to education and participation in his professional organization. Hon, who is retiring in June, has worked nearly three decades in public education, serving as the superintendent of Poplar Bluff Schools for six years.

Article and Photo by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District.