PHYSICAL THERAPY, WOUND CARE, ANTI-POVERTY

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelors in Biology, Pittsburg State University, 1997
Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Kansas Medical Center
Doctorate in Physical Therapy, University of Kansas
Medical Center, 2008
Attended Webb City High School, 1984-1987
Webb City R-7 Hall of Fame, 2019

Dr. James Whitford

Founded outpatient Wound Care Clinic Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS in 2000 and directed for 10 years

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Watered Gardens Gospel

Rescue Mission, Joplin, giving a hand up to those struggling with addiction, homelessness, and unemployment

Founder and Director of True Charity Initiative, an educational and advocacy initiative impacting non-profit leaders nationwide, calling communities to effective charity and freedom from welfare

Created Life Deck, a faith-based mentoring program used by missions in the United States

Pittsburg State University Outstanding Alumni Award 2014

Regional men of Distinction 2015

Sertoma Service to Mankind Award

Watered Gardens Ministries:  Small business of the year 2016

Watered Gardens Ministries:  World News Group Hope Award winner 2019

Served on the National Board for the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions

Visited the White House and Capitol speaking with Presidents’ staff regarding the effectiveness of locally driven, privately funded solutions to poverty and the danger and detriment of government-funded approaches

Testified before MO Congress and have addressed policymakers nationally

EDUCATION, MILITARY, CORPORATE EXECUTIVE

Degrees and Certifications:

Education, Military, Corporate Executive
Associates Degree, Joplin Junior College, 1963
Bachelors Degree, Kansas State College (PSU), 1965
Masters in Psychology, PSU, 1967
Graduated Webb City High School, 1961
Webb City R-7 Hall of Fame, 2019

Mr. James Dawson

Social Studies Teacher at Webb City High School, 1965-66

Served U.S. Army, 03-25-1968 to 12-01-1969; although a rank of Private filled the slot of a Major because of his education and status in counseling and psychology

Received Meritorious Service Medal, 01-16-1969

Returned to his hometown at Morton Booth Company, later known as Dawson Cabinet Furniture

In 2006, founded American Furniture Classics, a business he directed until selling in 2012

Served for 9 years on the Board of Education for the Webb City R-7 School District, 1981-1990

Recognized for Outstanding Contributions by the White House Conference on Small Business in 1980

Recognized for Economic Development from Gov. Ashcroft, the state of Missouri, 1988

Served as Director for Merchants & Miners Bank, later to become Mercantile Bank

J.C. Penney recognized Dawson Furniture for outstanding service through merchandizing leadership, product development, quick response, quality standards and market competitiveness, 1996

In May 2011, he helped dedicate the clock tower and carillon, located on the WCHS campus, as a gift of appreciation to the School District, honoring the teachers and staff, past and present, including the 12 rural schools incorporated into the District.

Currently serves on the council for the City of Webb City.

HUMORIST

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelors in Political Science, MSSU, 1972
Masters in Theatre, University of Missouri – Kansas City, 1976
Graduated Webb City High School, 1969
Webb City R-7 Hall of Fame, 2019

Mr. Steve Scearcy

Worked as a personal aide and communications for the Governor of Delaware following graduation from MSSU

Returned to Missouri to pursue Masters in Theatre

Won two national playwriting competitions

Performed at the Kennedy Center

Owner/operator of his own theater for 6 years

Toured a one-man show in England and Scotland on behalf of the State Department and the state of Missouri

Written and produced:

a series of sports videos with sports greats Mohammad Ali, Hank Aaron and Brooks Robinson to name a few;

a one-man show “Hey It’s Dark in Here!”, airing on PBS;

“Swinging”, a special for PBS;

the movie “Spirit of the Season” starring Academy Award winner Earnest

Borgnine, airing on television in the U.S. and South America;

numerous comedy videos for comedian Marty Allen (Allen and Rossi team)

Authored 4 children’s books published by Andrews and McMeel Publishing

Produced and directed the International Cheerleading Competition for various television networks

Authored 2 books of humor, The Chicken Ate My Homework and I’m Naked on the Roof but the Cat’s OK, endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy

Writes a monthly newspaper column

Produces comedy videos for the website stevelaughs.com, videos from this site have been used by companies like P&G to promote Charmin toilet paper

Writing and producing “13 Midnights”; a video web series featuring great actors sharing stories of the unknown;  Release date 2019.