Family Members: Robert Blackler, Brandi (Blackler) Schwarz, Nicholas Marines, Vicki (Blackler) Craft, Brad Craft.
Personal Education History: Graduate of Turner High School in Kansas City, KS in 1975; Graduate of DeVry in Kansas City, Missouri in 1984.
Occupation: Former Customer Service Representative; Disabled.
Community Service Activities/Affiliations: Keys for Networking & Families Together in Kansas City; NAMI Child Advocate in Kansas City; Parent Support Specialist; Instructor for "Visions for Tomorrow" with NAMI.
Why do you want to serve as a school board member? "I have a grandson attending Dexter Schools; his is in kindergarten. I want him to be successful by having the best education we can offer. I want to remove Common Core from our schools; our children are not lab rats."
What is your philosophy of education? "Education is our gateway into a brighter future. With right education, we can accomplish anything and everything."
School Board Election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Dexter.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Applications for the 2015 Saint Francis Healthcare Scholarship Program funded by the Saint Francis Foundation and Auxiliary are now available. The program awards 23 scholarships of up to $2,000 annually to students pursuing a healthcare-related career.
Applicants must have successfully completed one year of an accredited healthcare program and have at least a 3.0 grade point average. They must also reside within Saint Francis Medical Center’s service area, as defined in the application. Applicants must submit all required documentation and a completed application to the Foundation by 5 pm on Monday, June 29. Students are eligible to receive a scholarship a maximum of two years.
Since it was created in 1980, the scholarship program has provided more than $533,000 in education scholarships to college students in an effort to encourage participation in professional healthcare careers.
All applicants are considered regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, handicap or veteran status. Applications are available at foundation.sfmc.net/scholarship. For more information, please contact the Foundation at 573-331-5790.
Saint Francis Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization that supports Saint Francis Medical Center by strengthening the institution overall and reaffirming its mission of supporting the community and the people it serves. Formally organized in 1976, its mission reflects the Medical Center’s priorities through fundraising efforts that support the community.
The Foundation sponsors several annual events, including golf tournaments, and philanthropic activities such as annual appeals, memorials, endowment funds, planned giving, grants and major gifts.
Through the generosity of the community, staff and volunteers, the Foundation accepts contributions each year to purchase state-of-the-art equipment, provide patient and employee assistance, create new programs that help patients in the region, and improve facilities at the Medical Center. Saint Francis Medical Center is proud to be the only employer in Missouri ranked on Modern Healthcare magazine’s prestigious Best Places to Work in Healthcare list for six consecutive years (2008-2013).
"This is the most prestigious award given by the association," Jennifer Miller, student council representative for DHS said of the award to Petty, "and is based on the student's leadership and involvement in school and community activities throughout their four years of high school."
"Receiving this award feels like such an honor because of all the amazing people in Student Council," commented Petty. "I have been to the District Convention four times, the State Convention twice and the people never cease to amaze me. It has been the single, most significant experience of my life!"
Her activities include Student Council, Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, and the Art Club.
She also participates in Rotary Interact and was in Showstoppers of SEMO for two years.
Hayli is a big art enthusiast, loves photography, and enjoys reading and writing. She also plays billiards when she gets the opportunity.
Her future plans are to attend Ozark Technical College in Springfield, Missouri and then transfer to Missouri State University. She's not 100% sure of her degree, but might like to major in Graphic Design.
Dexter, Missouri – Almost 100 athletes were recognized at the annual Dexter Winter Sports Banquet. Boys and girls basketball athletes were honored along with wrestling cheerleading, and dance.
Mr. Derek Urhahn, Athletic Director, thanked several people in the audience who helped with the programs including the behind-the-scenes people who were instrumental in continuing the sports programs.
In Junior Varsity boys’ basketball two young athletes were given special awards. Cole Kelley and Ben Sindle received the 110% Award for always helping, showing up for practice, and supporting the Bearcats.
In Varsity boys basketball Ethan Flowers and Jason Jarrell received the 110% Award for their contribution to the sport.
In boys basketball Noah Kronk earned the Defensive Award. Jason Jarrell was presented the Rebounding Award and the Most Valuable Player Award and Austin Chesser earned the Free Throw Award.
Michael Hurst received the Most Improved Wrestling Award. Last year he was 15-15 and improved to 28-11 this season. Ethan Stevens earned the Most Aggressive Award and Dylan Bazarian received the Most Valuable Player Award. Dylan was a 4 time State Qualifier and a 3 time District Champion finishing with 126 wins.
Chad Allen spoke of the Lady ‘Cats successful season; however with the season ending just one day prior to the banquet individual awards were not presented. They will be presented at a later date and a separate article will acknowledge their achievements.
The Varsity girls basketball team ended with a record of 17-10 and won both the District Title and SEMO Conference Title for the fifth straight year.
On a special note Katie Reiker, a senior, earned Academic All-State Honors with an ACT of greater than 27 and a GPA above a 3.25.
Congratulations to all of the athletes are their accomplishments and awards!!!
Dexter, Missouri – The Dexter High School held its annual Winter Sport Banquet and recognized several athletes. Boys and girls basketball athletes were honored along with wrestling cheerleading, and dance.
Nineteen athletes lettered for the first time.
Seth Harris, Seth Rush, and Matt Stone each received a letter in wrestling.
Addison Moore and Adam Webb lettered in boys basketball.
Brooke Anderson, Hannah Gibson, Melissa McKuin, and Megan Simmons received their first letter on the Kickin’ Cats Dance Team.
Cheyenne Mosby, Harley Allen, Katie Reiker, Sydney Rogers, and Hannah Thurmon all lettered in girls’ basketball for the first time.
In basketball cheerleading it was Morgan Aldridge, Maci Daniels, Rhylan Hillis, Addie Kruse and Bailee Williams who received their first letters.
Congratulations athletes! You got the Big D! The Dexter community is extremely proud of your accomplishments and we enjoy watching you perform!
