Savanah Bandy

Aurora IT professional Tony Kennedy discovered running as an escape from modern life's digital noise, transforming from a last-place finisher to completing four half-marathons over nearly 10 years. He uses running as a meditative experience to find solitude and mental health benefits while planning his first full marathon.

Joplin native Amanda Felix overcame poverty, abuse, and family tragedy to become a model, actress, Christian singer, and founder of Be Still Ministry. She now uses her experiences to mentor others through her book, music, and coaching classes.

Fourteen-year-old Olivia Emery has earned All State nominations three consecutive years and 10 tournament MVP awards as a dedicated right-handed pitcher who trains daily on the elite Vision Gold 2026-Barham team, ranked in the top 50 nationally. After proving her commitment by pitching every day for six months at age eight, she now balances softball with basketball and track while looking forward to winning state with her high school team.

Paul Walden from Pittsburg, Kansas, launched his art business Paul Walden Creations after having his first artist reception, painting iconic landmarks in acrylics since discovering art as a communication tool at age three when he was non-verbal with autism. Mentored by Kansas City artist Wes Benson since 2017, Paul joins the ranks of creative geniuses like Van Gogh and Einstein who were also on the autism spectrum.

Rebecca Lomshek's 1989 bike purchase for college transportation led to meeting her husband Roger when he repaired her bicycle, sparking a 30-year cycling journey together that included opening Tailwind Cyclists bike shop in Pittsburg for 22 years. The couple shared their passion through the annual Gorilla Century ride and countless family cycling adventures before recently closing their shop to enter a new phase of life.

Air Force veterans Pete Norwood and Dave and Beverly Helms led a community-wide effort to bring a legendary F-4 Phantom jet to Grove, Oklahoma, where it now serves as a therapeutic touchstone for veterans whose lives were saved by the iconic Cold War aircraft. The jet is displayed at The American Legion Freedom Park, funded entirely through donations from grateful veterans, businesses, and community members who raised $45,000 for its transportation and assembly.

Nineteen-year-old James Newton has collected eight classic cars since 2018, ranging from a 1963 Chevy pickup to a 2011 SS Camaro, using car restoration as an outlet during the difficult loss of his grandparents. As fourth-generation heir to Newton's Jewelers in Joplin, he plans to continue the family business while pursuing his lifelong passion for collecting and restoring classic automobiles.

Carl Junction-born Izzy B transitioned from elementary school teacher to full-time children's book author and illustrator after years of rejection, specializing in silly, wacky stories that make kids laugh. With 14 published books, school visits throughout the Four-State Area, a YouTube channel called "Stories4Space," and a family-friendly podcast, he's on a mission to make the world a sillier place.

Carthage High School graduates Cavanaugh and Erick Studyvin spent nine years in New York City while he completed podiatric medical school and residency, but ultimately returned to Southwest Missouri in 2020. Cavanaugh now serves as executive director of the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, having found that small-town living with its sense of community and friendly faces was more appealing than big-city life.