Student Scholarship in Public Service- Laura Young
Ms. Young is passionate about service and empowering others. While earning her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri, she completed over 140 hours of community service and served as a Teaching Assistant and University Representative. This past summer, Ms. Young interned at The Grace Period, a nonprofit organization that provides transitional living services in St. Charles County. Her impact was widely recognized by the organization’s leadership. Co-Founder and Executive Director Sara Chandler stated, “I wouldn’t have made it through [the] summer without Laura. She brought amazing compassion, as well as professionalism. Without her organization and great communication, our nonprofit would not have made the amazing impact it did for 2025.” Ms. Young is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri, with an expected completion date in 2026. She remains dedicated to public service, leadership, and advocacy.
Student Scholarship in Law – Daniel Sheremet
Daniel Sheremet is an accomplished student at the University of Missouri School of Law, where he will graduate in May of 2026. While earning his undergraduate degree cum laude from University of Central Missouri, Sheremet participated in the UCM Mock Trial Team and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. As a law student at MU, Daniel has achieved exemplary academic standing while also participating in extracurricular activities, including the Christian Legal Society, the National Lawyers Guild, the BOA Mediation Competition, and working at the Public Defender’s Office.
Adam Sommer employed Daniel during the summer and stated “Mr. Sheremet showed the rare and necessary combination of humility and ability that is so often found in those upon whom the legal profession bestows the greatest respect.”
Student Scholarship in Education – Jayla Lee
Jayla Lee is a prime example of an individual who works diligently to meet her goals and contribute to the lives of others by serving her community.
A graduate of Paseo Academy of Performing Arts, Ms. Lee is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Lincoln University of Missouri. As a tutor at Lincoln’s writing center, she exhibits her dedication to improving the educational experience of her peers, and her previous roles as a teaching assistant and summer camp counselor display a strong connection with future generations of leaders.
Aneshea Quarles from Kansas City Public Schools shared that “Jayla brings a genuine warmth and positivity wherever she goes, and she is always setting her sights high and pushing forward with confidence.” This is evident in Jayla’s aspirations to become a principal and superintendent.
Education Award – Professor Polly Batterson
Professor Paulina “Polly” Batterson joined Columbia College in 1958 and spent thirty-two years building a government program that extended well beyond the classroom walls. She developed eight upper-level courses while securing internships for students at state and national levels and organizing study tours to D.C. Her commitment to connecting students with the political process brought prominent figures to campus and earned her recognition as a public commentator through radio, television, and an eight-part NPR series. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she coordinated political campaigns, chaired the Boone County Democratic Central Committee, and accepted gubernatorial appointments to state commissions.
Professor Batterson’s influence extended through her leadership in faculty governance, her presidency of the local American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter, and her authorship of Columbia College’s first Advising Handbook. More significantly, she created a legacy of students who carried her principles of integrity, careful analysis, and public service into their own careers. After retiring in 1996, she remained a mentor to those who had learned from her that public service represents not merely a profession but a responsibility to pursue the common good with conscience and courage.
Public Service Award – Kelvin Simmons
Kelvin Simmons’ life’s work reflects a deep commitment to servant leadership and strong communities. Guided by Governor Mel Carnahan, Kelvin began his career in the Governor’s office and became one of Missouri’s most respected leaders.
Appointed by three Missouri governors and repeatedly confirmed by the Missouri Senate, Mr. Simmons also served on the Kansas City 5th District City Council, where his leadership earned him an unopposed second term. He made history as the first Black Chair of the Missouri Public Service Commission and the first Black Director of the Department of Economic Development, advancing fairness, access, and long-term opportunity for Missourians.
Beyond government, Mr. Simmons strengthened communities through nonprofit and private-sector leadership, securing healthcare funding at Swope Health Services, leading transformative neighborhood development at Swope Community Builders, advising public institutions, and co-founding The Nexus Group. His legacy is defined not only by his leadership, but by the generations he has inspired to see public service as a powerful force for change.
Legal Service Award – Judge Michael Wolff
Judge Wolff was appointed by Governor Mel Carnahan to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court in August 1998. He served until August 2011, marking 13 years at the court. His work includes protections for juveniles, clarity in expert testimony standards, and the right to collective bargaining for public employees. He served as Chief Justice for two years and led the Sentencing Advisory Commission under three governors, steering significant constitutional reforms.
For 23 years, Judge Wolff served as a professor, faculty member, and later as Dean at the St. Louis University School of Law. During his time at the St. Louis University School of Law, he taught ethics, civil procedure, criminal sentencing, constitutional law, and more. These classes are fundamental in shaping successful attorneys, leaving Judge Wolff’s influence on his students wherever they went.
Throughout his work, Judge Wolff was committed to bettering the lives of others through education, policy change, and community service.