By Mike Greife,
April 12, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO - Three University of Central Missouri alumni dedicated to the quality
education of all students in the Warrensburg R-6 School District were honored by the
Missouri Association of School Administrators during the group’s awards banquet March
29 at the MASA Spring Conference.
Scott Patrick, superintendent of the Warrensburg R-6 School District, was among the
superintendents from each of the eight MASA districts who received the Robert L. Pearce
Award. The Pearce Award program is a long-standing tradition of the association honoring
excellence in education and community leadership among Missouri school superintendents.
Deborah Orr, retired Warrensburg R-6 superintendent of schools and UCM assistant professor
of elementary and early childhood education, was one of eight emeritus educators to
receive the Outstanding Emeritus Educator Award. The award recognizes retired administrators
based upon length of service, their participation in MASA while active members, significant
accomplishments during their careers as educators, and their continued interest in
public education since retirement.
Beth Rutt, a member of the Warrensburg R-6 Board of Education and director of student
activities at UCM, was among those who received the Friend of Education Award. Rutt
has been a member of the Warrensburg R-6 Board of Education for 26 years, including
five years as president. The award is presented annually to recognize community members
for their contribution to education, locally or statewide.
The MASA awards were presented at the groups Spring Conference to recipients from
each of the eight MASA districts based upon nominations from fellow educators. In
addition to the above awards, the group also presents the Honorary Life Member award,
the New Superintendent Award, 25-Year Service Award and Memorial Recognition.
