Stellwagen receives Monett Chamber’s top honor, Drury GO, Clark Industries also honored in annual awards

The Monett Area Chamber of Commerce presented its highest honor, the Community Service Award, to Dustin Stellwagen at its annual membership banquet on March 5. The Pride and Progress Award was presented to the Monett Drury GO campus for its community outreach effort in holding a multicultural festival in 2025. 

Stellwagen, the youngest person to ever receive the Community Service Award, has served on the Monett Fire Department since 2005. He was recently promoted to deputy chief. 

In presenting the award, Donna Beckett, a past winner, said, “Dustin was born and raised right here in Monett. He proudly bleeds purple and gold, and more importantly, he has dedicated his entire life to serving the community he calls home. To Dustin, the citizens of Monett are not just residents – they are family. That belief is evident in everything he does. Every single day, he puts this community before himself, serving with pride, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to moving Monett forward.”

Beckett noted that since 2018, Stellwagen has organized the annual fundraiser during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to benefit and support cancer victims. In 2025, he organized an expanded effort in the “Hunt for the Cure” scavenger hunt/activity event. In addition, Beckett said, Stellwagen has served as a coach for the Monett High School football team, mentored young athletes, and travels to other southwest Missouri fire departments as a trainer. 

“Since 2001, he has taught the Big Red fire safety program in every building within the Monett R-1 School District,” she continued, “Through consistent education and outreach, that program has contributed to a remarkable 70 percent reduction in house fires – a measurable, life-saving impact that speaks volumes about his dedication.”

In response, Stellwagen described how he grew close to one of the frequent callers to the fire department, a woman battling breast cancer, how he was there in her last moments, and how that experience left him committed to helping in the breast cancer fight. In 2026, he hopes to expand the Hunt for the Cure event with a survivors’ walk down Broadway. He also spoke about helping with Special Olympics, and how he found a way to respond to a non-verbal boy he found playing soccer alone one day, who now reaches out to him in a mutual exchange. 

“I have looked outside of Monett [at job offers],” he said. “I always came home.”

Overview

Ken Gaspar, city commissioner and frequent announcer at Monett sporting events, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. In his opening comments, Gaspar said, “Every community has a story. Monett’s story began as a railroad town – built on connection, grit, and opportunity. What started as a stop along the rails, grew into a community defined by hard work, resilience, and vision. Through decades of change – from agriculture to manufacturing, from small storefronts to thriving industry – this city has continued to adapt, grow, and move forward. That is the heart of our theme tonight: ‘A Tale as Old as Time.’ Because Monett’s journey connects our past, our present, and our future. 

“Like any timeless story, ours is one of reinventions and heart. It’s written by businesses willing to take risks. By leaders willing to serve. And by neighbors who believe in the power of ‘we.’ Each year, we write another chapter together. Tonight, we pause to reflect on where we’ve been… to celebrate who we are… and to step forward with pride – and purpose – towards what will come next.”

Pride and Progress Award

While the Community Service Award recognizes long-term service to Monett, Gaspar said the Pride and Progress Award “honors those who actively contribute to the growth, beauty, and vibrancy of Monett. It celebrates organizations that bring our community together and strengthen the culture that makes Monett special.” 

In announcing Drury GO as this year’s winner, Heidi Clark, standing in the Cox Monett Hospital President Andrea McKay, read McKay’s tribute. “This year, we celebrate an event that not only highlighted the beautiful diversity of Monett, but also brought our community closer together.” McKay referred specifically to the “culture and community” showcase Drury hosted on Oct. 18.

“This event,” McKay continued, “featured cultural presentations, performances, and displays from multiple cultural groups, including those representing Myanmar, Nepal, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, and many more. It was an extraordinary celebration of cultures that make Monett and the surrounding communities so vibrant. 

“Drury GO’s contribution to our community has made a real difference. They have not only provided a platform for diverse cultural expressions but have also shown us the power of coming together to celebrate what unites us, rather than what divides us,” McKay concluded. 

Rhonda Schilly, senior director of Drury’s Monett GO campus, accepted the award with several of her colleagues. She called for past Drury graduates and family members of graduates to stand, showing through the many dozens who rose. 

“This is how we do what we do,” Schilly said. “All of you are part of the story we are telling. Thank you for supporting our big ideas, our crazy dreams. We are so proud to be part of this community.” 

Other awards

Alejandra Ortega, who works at First State Bank and teaches on the side, was announced as the winner of this year’s Young Professional of the Year. Ortega, quite surprised, thanked those present for the support she’s received that enables her to give back to the community. Last year’s winner, Cory Hartman, made the presentation. 

Business awards were selected from a ballot by those present at the meeting. 

Small Business of the Year was chosen from seven nominees. David Saunders, son of David and Ann Saunders, announced the honor, “from one brewer to another,” went to Briar House Brewing Company. Owner Matt Batson accepted the award with a simple “Thank you.” 

Big Business of the Year was selected from four candidates. Heather Van Note from Schreiber Foods, last year’s winner, announced the honor went to Clark Industries. Company president Jack Schulz accepted the award, calling it “a great honor.” Schulz said the business had struggled in recent years, but he added that, “If you keep your nose to the grindstone, ask customers what they want, things happen,” resulting in a major boom for the company. 

“I’m thankful to our team. I’m grateful to be in Monett,” Schulz said. 

“As we bring our formal program to a close,” Gaspar said, “tonight has reminded us of the leadership, service, and dedication that continue to move Monett forward. The work of strengthening our business community doesn’t end here – it continues in the days, months, and years ahead.”