Treasurer of the Wright City R-II School Board of Education, Mary Groeper, was recently announced as the statewide winner of the Carter D. Ward Excellence in Advocacy Award. Dr. Amy Salvo announced the recognition at the last Board of Education meeting on Sept. 19. Groeper will be officially recognized on March 11 at the Missouri School Board Association’s Advocacy Day in Jefferson City. 

Groeper has served the R-II School Board since 1995. In addition, she is one of three people to have a board of director seat on the MSBA Executive Committee and she represents region 17 on the MSBA Board of Directors. 

R-II Superintendent Dr. Amy Salvo stated the following, “We are thrilled to congratulate Mrs. Groeper on receiving this prestigious award. Her dedication and tireless efforts as an advocate for public education in Missouri have set a remarkable example for all of us. She has been an effective and relentless voice for our schools, ensuring that the needs and interests of students, teachers, and the community are always at the forefront.

“I deeply appreciate her leadership and the positive impact she continues to make in our district. Her commitment to advocacy is truly inspiring, and Wright City is fortunate to have such outstanding Board of Education members. We are proud of Mrs. Groeper and the work she has done to champion public education.”