Joplin Schools Foundation Announces 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

(Joplin, MO) – The Joplin Schools Foundation will welcome the 2025 class of inductees into the Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame during a private ceremony on Thursday, October 16. The Foundation’s Hall of Fame project was created to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding alumni from Joplin High School, Lincoln School, Memorial High School, and Parkwood High School.

“I am so excited about this year’s honorees,” said Foundation president Gloria Turner. “We have representatives from the fields of music, architecture, leadership, education, and business. All have graduated from our schools and gone on to be true ambassadors for our community and others.”

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Samuel Allen Austin, 1898 graduate of Joplin High School. Allen received a BS in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1902. He returned to Joplin to begin practicing architecture and is responsible for designing many of the community’s prominent buildings, including the current Joplin Schools Administration building, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and the Jewish Synagogue.
• Vance Powell, 1982 graduate of Parkwood High School. A multi-Grammy and CMA Award winner, Powell 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.
• Debi Vowels-Durham, 1978 graduate of Parkwood High School. Durham led award-winning initiatives in North Sioux City, South Dakota; South Sioux City, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa. By aligning those communities, Durham helped create a model of regional collaboration that garnered national attention. She is the first woman to lead the Iowa Economic Development Authority, overseeing housing, infrastructure, and financing programs statewide.
• Dan L. Stanley, 1963 graduate of Joplin High School. After graduation from Westminster College in Fulton, Stanley served in the U.S. 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 the community on many boards, helping to sponsor and raise funds for charitable organizations.

In addition to these Hall of Fame inductees, the Foundation will also honor a Meritorious Award winner who has demonstrated extraordinary contributions to Joplin Schools and the local education community:

• Jack Holden, 1939 graduate of Joplin High School. A 30-year teacher in the Joplin Schools 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 Post Commander, and was announcer for the American Legion baseball games played at Joe Becker Stadium.

Hall of Fame members will be showcased and highlighted in a permanent installation located in the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center. Joplin Schools students and community members are encouraged to view the installation as desired.

Sponsorships benefit the Foundation’s scholarship program, which annually supports Joplin graduates as they further their post-secondary education. Families, groups, or organizations interested in sponsoring next year’s event are encourage to reach out to KelliCragin@joplinschools.org.

Nominations for the Alumni Hall of Fame are accepted year-round and can be submitted here.

Reference: 

Sarah Coyne, Director of Communications
Joplin Schools
sarahcoyne@joplinschools.org