STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District has announced that Russ Toombs, Ste. Genevieve High School counselor, has been awarded the Mentor Legacy Award from the Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s Centennial Annual Gala.
The award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on others through mentorship and guidance.
A district official stated, “Our district is incredibly proud that Mr. Toombs has been recognized for his service to our students.”
Toombs’ impact on Ste. Genevieve High School extends far beyond his official duties.
Throughout his 30 years in education, he has demonstrated a rare gift for building relationships, mentoring students, and guiding them toward success. While he made a meaningful impact in the classroom as a math teacher, his transition to the role of school counselor has been his true calling. As the senior grade-level counselor, Toombs dedicates his time and energy to ensuring every student is prepared for post-secondary opportunities. His investment in students goes beyond academic advising—he takes it personally when a student struggles to meet graduation requirements and works tirelessly to help them get back on track. He has also cultivated a team mentality among staff, empowering them to share in his mission of supporting students in their journey toward graduation.
In addition to his counseling role, Toombs has served in numerous leadership capacities, including STUCO sponsor and coach for softball, basketball, track, and cross country. His dedication to shaping student experiences is evident in the way he has transformed Ste. Genevieve High School’s graduation ceremony into a truly personal and memorable event.
Each year, Toombs ensures that every graduating senior receives a handwritten note from an educator—many of which he writes himself. He encourages students to invite faculty and staff to walk at the ceremony, strengthening the bond between students and their mentors. The addition of a receiving line, where students are personally congratulated by teachers immediately after receiving their diplomas, is yet another example of the meaningful traditions he has fostered.
Even in his 30th year, Toombs continues to innovate and advocate for student success. His vision has helped establish senior advisory specialists, providing students with consistent guidance as they navigate their final year of high school. He has also played a key role in the development of advisory SEL specialists, ensuring students have access to social-emotional learning resources that prepare them for life beyond high school.
Toombs exemplifies Ste. Genevieve High School’s core values of Family, Tradition, and Excellence. His passion for education, his unwavering dedication to students, and his efforts to continually improve the student experience make him a truly remarkable educator. His legacy of mentorship will continue to shape the lives of students for years to come, making this recognition well-deserved.