Media Advisory and Invitation to Cover Event
WHO: Hundreds of area educators, representatives from the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce, The Callaway Bank (presenting sponsor), Westminster College (host) and more. The celebration filled with connection, encouragement and gratitude will feature Tyler Tarver, EdD, Google certified innovator and trainer.
WHAT: In addition to breakfast, booths, music, and Tarver’s keynote address, the event will feature school and college mascots, spirited contests and official winners of the Innovative Education Grant. The grant is sponsored by Westminster and William Woods University.
WHEN: 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
WHERE: Champ Auditorium on the campus of Westminster College, 501 Westminster Ave.
WHY: To honor area educators and school/college staff who make a lasting impact on the lives of Callaway County students
Interviews with Chamber and Westminster event officials are available upon request.
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is among a select group of full-participation institutions nationwide in the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition, as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
