THE JUDITH RETHWISCH OUTSTANDING THESPIAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a theatre teacher whose unselfish efforts and countless hours really do mean something to those who care. Named after Judy Rethwisch, now retired theatre teacher of Affton High School, Judy served as the MO State Director from 1984-1993 and was instrumental in establishing MO Thespians. At the 1993 MO State Conference, Judy was named the Thespian Teacher of the Year. The award was presented to her by JOHN GOODMAN, Affton graduate and former drama student of Judy's. The award was renamed after Judy because she represents the very best of theatre educators. Those who continue to receive this honor are the unsung heroes to countless students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to the following recipients. You represent the very best in theatre educators in the state of Missouri and MO Thespians honor you!
2023-2024- Erin Moody, Branson High School
2022-2023- Kate Wilkinson, Fort Zumwalt East High School
2021-2022 - Marty Strohmeyer, Visitation Academy
2020-2021 - Brad Rackers, Lee's Summit West High School
2019-2020 - Amie Gossett, Parkway West High School
2018-2019 - Sarah Buchheit (Serbus), Union High School
2017-2018 - Alex Moore, Mehlville High School
2016-2017 - Jennifer Forrest-James, Parkway South High School
2015-2016 - None Given
2014-2015 - Teri Turner, Smith Cotton High School
2013-2014 - Robert Gleason, Holt High School
2012-2013 - Nona Miller, Owensville High School
2011-2012 - Mike Beattie, Waynesville High School
2010-2011 - Bonnie Schurman, Joplin High School
2009-2010 - Jo Nell Seifert, Poplar Bluff High School
2008-2009 - None Given
2007-2008 - Shayne Daniel, Lee's Summit North High School
2006-2007 - Ben Martin, Lee's Summit West High School
2005-2006 - Anita Lippman, Brentwood High School
2004-2005 - Todd Schnake, Raymore - Peculiar High School
2003-2004 - Maggie Ryan, Nerinx Hall High School
2002-2003 - Nicole Voss, Parkway Central High School
2001-2002 - Tim Buchheit, St. Francis Borgia High School
2000-2001 - Bob Fowler, Hazelwood West High School
1999-2000 - Lana Hagan, Washington High School
1998-1999 - Joe Potter, William Woods University
1997-1998 - Kurt Knoedelseder, Ladue Horton Watkins High School
1996-1997 - Bill Townsend, Nixa High School
1995-1996 - Ted Huff, Fort Zumwalt South High School
1994-1995 - Ron Kenney, Webster Groves High School
1993-1994 - Judy Rethwisch, Affton High School (award officially changed to current title)
1992-1993 - None Given
1991-1992 - Brian Welch, Villa Duchesne High School
1990-1991 - Joel Short, Belton High School
1989-1990 - Mike Beahm, Raymore-Peculiar High School