Principal Pam Holmes of Mathews Elementary School in Nixa has built strong one-on-one relationships between students and adults through a variety of innovative programs. One such program, "Extra Care," assigns adults from the school to provide special attention and improve the self-esteem of designated students. Another program, "Successful Connections," brings Mathews students together with senior citizens from the community for games and other activities. Ms. Holmes has also involved the community in her students' learning process by hiring volunteers to serve as reading tutors. Ms. Holmes is currently vice president of the Southwest District Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals, of which she has been a member since her first year as a principal.
1987 Southwest Missouri State University, B.S.