(JOPLIN, MO) – The Joplin Schools Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 class of inductees into the Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. The honorees will be recognized during a private induction ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Established by the Joplin Schools Foundation, the Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of graduates from Joplin High School, Lincoln School, Memorial High School, and Parkwood High School whose accomplishments have brought distinction to their communities, professions, and the Joplin Schools legacy.
“As a proud Joplin Schools graduate, it’s an honor to celebrate the remarkable alumni and supporters who have shared our schools and community,” said Foundation President Kelli Perigo. “The Hall of Fame Banquet recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and achievements inspire future generations of Joplin Eagles to dream big and make a lasting difference.”
This year’s honorees include a World War II veteran; Holocaust survivors who built remarkable lives after unimaginable hardship; an accomplished attorney and community leader; and an individual whose lifelong commitment to education has made a lasting impact on Joplin. Each of the inductees represents the excellence, resilience, and generosity that define the legacy of Joplin Schools.
2026 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
- Leon Kassab, Joplin High School, Class of 1942
A proud World War II veteran, Leon Kassab served his country before returning home to Joplin where he owned and managed Kassab’s Clothing Store on Main Street. He also served as chairman of Joplin’s Centennial Celebration in 1973 and was a respected business and civic leader throughout the community. - Fred and Henry Toucher, Joplin High School, Class of 1951
Born in Berlin, Germany, brothers Fred and Henry Toucher were orphaned after losing both parents during World War II. Escaping the horrors of Nazi persecution, they came to Joplin in 1949 to live with relatives and begin new lives. Both proudly served in the United States Army and became inspiring examples of perseverance, patriotism, and the American dream. - Scott Vorhees, Joplin High School, Class of 1993
Scott Vorhees is a nationally recognized and award-winning personal injury attorney. A dedicated supporter of the Joplin community, he serves as a champion for local education and youth through his involvement with Irving Elementary School, the Alliance of Southwest Missouri, Building Bridges, donations to local elementary schools, and mentoring and tutoring students throughout Joplin Schools.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, the Foundation will present its Meritorious Award to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary service and commitment to Joplin Schools and public education.
- Margaret “Peggy” Cooper Fuller
Peggy Fuller is a dedicated community advocate whose guiding philosophy has always been that “it takes a village.” Since moving to Joplin with her husband in 1986, she has devoted decades to strengthening the community through volunteer leadership and civic engagement. Most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Missouri Bank, Peggy was named the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2016. She was also a founding leader in the creation of Bright Futures Joplin and has dedicated countless hours to improving educational opportunities and the quality of life throughout the region.
The Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame is permanently displayed in the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center, where students, alumni, and community members can learn about the remarkable accomplishments of the individuals who have shaped the legacy of Joplin Schools.
Event sponsorships help support the Joplin Schools Foundation’s scholarship program, providing financial assistance to Joplin graduates as they pursue higher education and career training opportunities. Current sponsors are recognized on the Foundation’s website. Families, businesses, and organizations interested in sponsoring future Hall of Fame events are encouraged to contact Kelli Cragin at KelliCragin@JoplinSchools.org.
Nominations for the Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame are accepted throughout the year and may be submitted here.
To schedule coverage, please contact KelliCragin@JoplinSchools.org. Ms. Cragin and Ms. Perigo will be available for interviews from Monday, July 27 – Wednesday, July 29.
Reference:
Sarah Coyne, Director of Communications
Joplin Schools
sarahcoyne@joplinschools.org
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