Festus R6 School District

JoAnn Thurman-Mangan, the esteemed recipient of the 2024 Festus R-VI School District Distinguished Service Award, dedicated her life to education and the arts. A 1965 graduate of Festus High School, JoAnn spent 31 years teaching, with 28 of those years inspiring students in the Festus School District. Beginning her tenure at Festus High School in 1978, JoAnn taught English/Language Arts (ELA) classes, speech and debate, and drama until her retirement in 2006.

JoAnn's passion for the performing arts was evident from her first year at Festus, where she began directing plays and musicals. She earned the nickname “Drama Mama” for directing more than 50 productions in her Festus career.  She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, including sewing costumes and crafting handmade props. Her dedication extended beyond the stage; she affectionately referred to her students as "her kids," nurturing them with the same love and care as her own family.

A champion for all students, JoAnn worked closely with counselors to support "at-risk" students, helping them improve their grades and achieve graduation. Her compassion also led her to open her home to visiting exchange students facing challenges with their host families.  Retired Festus High School counselor Steve Shemwell remembers, “These students then blossomed under the comforting watch of JoAnn.  She mothered them and supported them as her very own to ensure that they had a great experience of American culture.”

Outside of her professional life, JoAnn was an active member of her church, where she and her mother visited shut-ins, offering companionship and support. An avid gardener, she found joy in nurturing her plants as she did her students. JoAnn maintained close connections with her former students, proudly following their achievements and even traveling to see them perform or direct their own productions.

JoAnn's life was one of service, love, and unwavering dedication to her students and community. Her passing in September 2017 from cancer was a profound loss, but her legacy continues to inspire those who were fortunate to know her and those who benefit from the enduring impact of her work.  One former student said, “You were one of the best teachers I ever had.  You’re one of the strongest, most amazing women I know. The amount of lives you touched is amazing.  None of us will ever forget you.”  Another talked about the love she had for her students, “Through it all, she loved YOU… whatever “you” you were.  I loved her, and am so glad to have had her as a huge influence.”

Because of her enduring impact on the thousands of students who passed through the doors of Festus High School during her 28 year career at FHS, the Festus R-VI School District is proud to posthumously award the 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Mrs. JoAnn Thurman-Mangan.