COLUMBIA, MO (August 5, 2025) – At the 2025 rootEd Missouri Awards Celebration held today in Columbia, Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe recognized three exceptional rootEd advisors for their extraordinary dedication to supporting rural Missouri students as they prepare for life after graduation.
The ceremony, held at Wyndham Executive Center, brought together rootEd’s college and career advisors from across the state, alongside state leaders and partners, to kick off the 2025–26 school year. rootEd Missouri is a public-private partnership between the national nonprofit rootEd Alliance, Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Ozarks Technical Community College, and local school districts. Since 2018, the initiative has supported over 45,000 students by placing advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with students to create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, career credentials, apprenticeships, or military service.
“Today, we celebrate the outstanding rootEd advisors who are helping Missouri students prepare for high-demand careers and training pathways—especially honorees Kristy Jones, Alana Shockley, and Kaitlin Hopke,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “rootEd advisors are guiding rural students toward brighter futures while strengthening our state’s workforce. Their impact is clear, and I’m proud to expand this resource to more rural schools across Missouri this year.”
Governor Kehoe recently signed Missouri’s FY26 budget, which includes a significant funding expansion for rootEd Missouri, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to its workforce development goals. This investment will extend advising services to 174 schools—nearly half of all rural high schools in the state.
2025 rootEd Missouri Award Recipients
- Kristy Jones, Carl Junction High School – Advisor of the Year
Jones was honored for her student-first approach that has dramatically enhanced college and career readiness at Carl Junction. She builds strong partnerships with educators and local employers, and fosters family engagement and trust through initiatives like her Senior Parent Night. Her work has fostered a culture where students feel supported, empowered, and ready for life after high school. “Students start to believe in what’s possible when they know someone is in their corner,” said Jones. “I’m honored to be part of rootEd and proud to support Missouri’s rural students.”
- Alana Shockley, Bolivar High School – 110% Award
In her first year, Shockley energized her school with creativity and passion. She launched themed FAFSA nights, built strong parent partnerships, and co-hosted a career fair with the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce—ensuring every student feels supported in exploring next steps. - Kaitlin Hopke, Palmyra High School – Innovation Award
Hopke was recognized for her forward-thinking strategies in workforce development. From employer tours and training placements to partnering with job centers and launching a culinary apprenticeship, she connects students to real-world experiences that prepare them for success.
“We’re proud to recognize Kristy, Alana, and Kaitlin, whose commitment to rural students reflects the heart of rootEd’s mission,” said Byron D. Trott, Chairman and Founder of rootEd Alliance and Chairman & Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners. “We’re also deeply grateful to all rootEd advisors across Missouri whose dedication, compassion, and daily efforts are helping students pursue meaningful futures. Thanks to Governor Kehoe’s continued leadership, rootEd will reach even more students across Missouri this year.”
rootEd Missouri is delivering measurable results:
- Schools with rootEd advisors have seen a 20% increase in students pursuing college or career training, and 47% fewer students entering low-wage jobs after graduation.
- rootEd students complete the FAFSA at rates 13 percentage points above the state average.
- In partnership with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, over 700 businesses have engaged with rootEd students through career exposure and job opportunities
“We’ve seen firsthand how rootEd advisors are changing student trajectories,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “Thanks to our collaboration with DESE, local districts, and the Governor’s Office, we’re proud to expand this model to more schools than ever in 2025–26.”
Watch a video about rootEd Missouri at this link.
About rootEd Alliance
rootEd Alliance is committed to expanding economic opportunity and mobility for rural youth by ensuring every student graduates high school on a path to a well-paying career. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with all seniors to define and create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, career credentials, apprenticeships, or military service. Since its launch in 2018, rootEd has supported 68,000 students across 300 rural high schools in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Alaska, and Idaho. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists, convened by BDT & MSD Partners. Learn more here.