SOMO News
Where Inclusion Shines: Highlights from the 2025 Special Olympics Missouri Awards Banquet
JEFFERSON CITY – Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) supporters gathered on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Training for Life Campus for our Annual Awards Banquet, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the people and partners who make inclusion through sport possible across Missouri.
With JT Gerlt serving as emcee, the room was full of laughter, pride, and more than a few happy tears as we honored our newest Hall of Fame class and announced this year’s statewide award winners—selected from inspiring nominees representing each of SOMO’s six areas.
Welcoming the 2025 Hall of Fame Class
Each year, SOMO’s Hall of Fame recognizes athletes and non-athletes whose longevity, leadership, and impact have helped advance Special Olympics throughout the state. Established in 1997, the Hall of Fame celebrates those who have shaped our movement through years of commitment and service.
This year, we were thrilled to induct three extraordinary leaders:
- Jared Niemeyer – Jared’s journey as an athlete and leader embodies what SOMO is all about: courage, growth, and the determination to bring others along with you. His dedication to training, competition, and representing SOMO with pride has inspired athletes statewide.
- Linda Tyler – Linda’s steadfast support of athletes and programs has strengthened opportunities in her area and beyond. Her belief in the power of inclusion has helped SOMO grow deeper roots in communities across Missouri.
- Dianna Neihouse – Dianna’s legacy reflects decades of commitment to athletes and the Special Olympics mission. Her investment of time, heart, and leadership has helped build the supportive community our athletes deserve.
Congratulations to Jared, Linda, and Dianna—your impact will be felt for generations.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award
SOMO also presented the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award to Rusty Drewing Automotive. This honor reflects an unwavering commitment to Special Olympics values and a long-standing dedication to athletes and their success. Thank you for championing inclusion in such a meaningful, consistent way.
2025 Statewide Award Winners
From each area, nominees were recognized on stage before the statewide winners were announced. Here are this year’s honorees:
Outstanding Family of the Year
- Central Area: The Collins Family
- Southwest Area: The Tucker Family
- Kansas City Metro Area: The Smith Family
- North Area: The Kendrick Family
- Southeast Area: The Godwin Family
- St. Louis Metro Area: The Tallevast Family
Statewide Winner: The Smith Family (KC Metro)
Families are often the quiet backbone of every season—driving to practice, cheering the loudest, fundraising, and showing up again and again. The Smith Family’s steady support and joyful presence have lifted up athletes and programs throughout the Kansas City Metro and across the state.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
- Central Area: Jamie McKinnon
- Southwest Area: Libby Barnard & Kathy Noel
- Kansas City Metro Area: John Schnebly
- North Area: Michelle Wolfe & Dan Ripperger
- Southeast Area: Corporal Johnny Spencer
- St. Louis Metro Area: Young Men’s Service League
Statewide Winner: Jamie McKinnon (Central)
Volunteers are the spark behind so many SOMO moments, and Jamie’s commitment stood out among an incredible slate of nominees. Her time, heart, and consistency continue to open doors for athletes and ensure events run with excellence.
Outstanding Coach of the Year
- Central Area: Sergeant Travis Morley
- Southwest Area: Errin Budolfson
- Kansas City Metro Area: Emma Bastarche
- North Area: Elizabeth Starkey
- Southeast Area: Kim Bequette
- St. Louis Metro Area: Dr. Jackie Mitchell
Statewide Winner: Emma Bastarche (KC Metro)
Great coaches teach more than skills—they build confidence, community, and belief. Emma’s leadership and care for her athletes make her a shining example of what coaching in Special Olympics looks like at its best.
Community Champion Award
- Central Area: American Horseman Challenge Association
- Southwest Area: Culver’s – Springfield
- Kansas City Metro Area: Casey Davison & UMKC
- North Area: Buchanan County – Commissioner Ron Hook
- St. Louis Metro Area: Terry’s Towing
- Headquarters Nominee: Grant “Rusty” Drewing
Statewide Winner: Casey Davison & UMKC (KC Metro)
Community champions expand what’s possible for SOMO athletes—through partnership, advocacy, and real action. Casey Davison and UMKC have helped lead the way in inclusive opportunities and meaningful support that strengthens our mission statewide.
Outstanding Athlete of the Year
- Central Area: Kenlee Lewis
- Southwest Area: Joshua Weise
- Kansas City Metro Area: Namande Campbell
- North Area: Bobby Douglas
- Southeast Area: Kayla Dannenmueller
- St. Louis Metro Area: Kenneth Walz
Statewide Winner: Namande Campbell (KC Metro)
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics, and Namande’s achievements this year reflected not just talent, but dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership that inspires teammates and fans alike.
A Celebration of What Makes SOMO Strong
From the roar of applause for area nominees to the standing ovations for our Hall of Fame inductees, the 2025 Awards Banquet was a reminder of what SOMO is really built on: athletes chasing their best, families showing up with love, coaches pouring into potential, volunteers giving freely, and partners choosing inclusion.
To every nominee and winner—thank you for helping Special Olympics Missouri grow brighter, stronger, and more welcoming each year. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2026.