STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II has announced that at a Ste. Genevieve High School assembly on Wednesday two community members were honored as recent Hall of Fame inductees.
Terry McDaniel was recognized as a new member of the Hall of Fame, and Russ Toombs was honored with the Hall of Fame Dragon Award.
Their families, friends, colleagues, student athletes, and more were in attendance to celebrate their achievements and share congratulations.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize and honor outstanding citizens who have led distinguished lives and who will serve as positive role models for all present and future students of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. The Hall of Fame Committee was recently re-established to continue this tradition. To be considered, Hall of Fame nominees must have graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School at least 15 years ago and demonstrate leadership, character, achievement, service, and suitability. Dragon Award nominees must meet the same criteria, with the exception that they did not graduate from Ste. Genevieve High School.
During the assembly, student leaders presented each inductee with a handcrafted plaque from the Industrial Technology Department, as well as a personalized pullover, cup, and pen made by the Marketing Productions class. Additionally, both inductees were presented with a custom pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All-Star shoes, which they put on during the ceremony as a symbolic gesture of their induction into the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame.
“Mr. Terry McDaniel and Mr. Russ Toombs have all dedicated themselves to excellence,” SGHS Principal Dr. John Boyd said. “They have left a lasting mark on their professions, on their communities, and on the lives of others. By recognizing them today, we not only celebrate their achievements—we inspire all of you to believe that your own hard work, dedication, and character will be recognized in the future.”
Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame
- TERRY MCDANIEL, ‘67
A 1967 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School, Mr. Terry McDaniel has dedicated his life to the service of public education and the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. Over the course of a career spanning decades—as a teacher, coach, principal, board member, advocate, and volunteer—Mr. McDaniel has helped shape the identity, direction, and legacy of the district he has always called home.
Leadership
As principal of Bloomsdale Elementary, Mr. McDaniel fostered a school culture grounded in high expectations and strong relationships. Prior to that, he served as a teacher and coach, always leading by example and keeping students’ well-being at the heart of his work. After retiring from building-level leadership, he continued to serve the district for over 20 years on the Board of Education, many of those as Secretary. His tenure included five superintendent transitions and major periods of change and growth for SG R-II. His leadership helped guide the district through the implementation of 1:1 learning initiatives, the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting state accountability models, ongoing tax protests, and the development of SG R-II’s first-ever long-range facilities plan.
Character
Mr. McDaniel is widely known for his humility and selflessness. A story often shared illustrates his true character: in 1982, following the unexpected passing of a fellow teacher and coach, Mr. McDaniel stepped in to lead her team—and declined the coaching stipend, asking instead that it go to her children. That moment of compassion reflects a lifelong pattern—Mr. McDaniel does the right thing, not for credit, but because he believes in helping others. His unwavering commitment to students and the community is matched by his deep integrity and sense of purpose.
Achievement
Mr. McDaniel’s contributions to education and public service are numerous. He helped lead a generation of students and educators during his time as a principal, and helped shape policy and district vision as a longtime board member. He played a key role in the planning and oversight of numerous facility improvements, including multiple building additions and the development of the new Early Childhood Center under Prop SG. He also supported the construction of the district’s new Performing Arts Center and worked through legislative changes that impacted public education across Missouri. His work with the retired teachers association and his advocacy efforts in Jefferson City further reflect his dedication to education at the local and state levels.
Service
Mr. McDaniel’s service has never ended—it simply evolved. Even in retirement, he remains actively involved in district life. He serves on committees such as the Facilities Committee, attends district events, and volunteers at countless extracurricular activities. He’s worked the SGHS baseball concessions stand and sold 50/50 raffle tickets at football games for over 15 years, faithfully showing up to support students, athletes, and programs. These gestures, repeated over decades, demonstrate the depth of his investment in the school community he loves.
Role Model Suitability
Through every role—educator, principal, board member, and community volunteer—Mr. McDaniel has modeled what it means to serve with heart and purpose. His example of professionalism, kindness, and perseverance has inspired colleagues, students, and generations of Dragons. He leads by listening, by remembering where we’ve been, and by focusing on what’s best for kids. He exemplifies the values of Family. Tradition. Excellence.
Legacy
What makes Mr. McDaniel especially unique is the depth of his institutional knowledge and the way he carries the district’s history with him. He knows the stories, the people, the turning points—and he brings that perspective to every conversation. His insight helps bridge the past and the future, ensuring decisions are rooted in understanding and community. Mr. McDaniel bleeds green. He is—and always has been—Loyal and True, and his legacy will remain an enduring part of Ste. Genevieve R-II.
Ste. Genevieve High School Dragons of Honor Award
- RUSS TOOMBS
With 31 years in education—28 of them at Ste. Genevieve High School—Mr. Russ Toombs has become a cornerstone of the Dragon community. From the classroom to the counseling office, from coaching fields to the heart of graduation ceremonies, Mr. Toombs has built a legacy rooted in leadership, compassion and a relentless commitment to student success.
Leadership
Mr. Toombs has consistently stepped into leadership roles throughout his career, serving as STUCO sponsor and coaching softball, basketball, track, and cross country. But perhaps his most significant leadership comes through his work behind the scenes—developing systems, programs, and supports that help students thrive. As one of the driving forces behind the creation of DragonFIRE—a daily support program built around Focus, Improve, Relate, and Engage—he helped redefine how academic and emotional support are delivered at SGHS. He’s also led initiatives such as the senior advisory specialists and advisory SEL specialists, ensuring every student is guided not just academically, but personally and socially, as well. Whether helping design schoolwide programming or encouraging teachers to walk with students at graduation, Mr. Toombs leads by creating meaningful experiences that connect staff and students.
Character
Those who know Mr. Toombs speak of his unmatched ability to connect with others. Whether as a former math teacher or in his current role as a school counselor, he brings sincerity, humility and unwavering support to every interaction. His encouragement is constant, and his sense of responsibility to his students runs deep. Mr. Toombs’ presence inspires trust and gratitude, and his quiet habit of giving credit to others while working tirelessly behind the scenes reflects his humility.
Achievement
In 2018–2019, he was named SEMO Counselor of the Year, and in 2025, he received the Mentor Legacy Award from the Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his lifelong dedication to guiding others. At SGHS, he has reshaped what senior year support looks like—personally guiding students through graduation milestones, overseeing key communications, and even writing dozens of handwritten notes to seniors each year. His work ensures that no student slips through the cracks, and his efforts have shaped the experience of thousands of Dragons.
Service
Mr. Toombs has invested decades into their academic success, emotional development, and personal growth. He spends countless hours analyzing student data—grades, feedback, and engagement—so that support strategies meet students where they are. He encourages continual improvement and drives collaboration among faculty. Outside of formal programs, he also brings joy and humanity to the school’s biggest moments, helping plan ceremonies that celebrate each student’s journey and reinforce the district’s values. His efforts have fostered a culture where every student knows they matter.
Role Model Suitability
Mr. Toombs embodies the best of what educators strive to be. He models kindness, professionalism, accountability, and integrity in everything he does. He challenges students and colleagues alike to improve—not with pressure, but with belief. Former students and current staff alike describe him as someone who simply makes everyone around him better: as teachers, students, professionals, and people. He inspires growth not by commanding it, but by living it. His ability to lead with both heart and strategy makes him a mentor in every sense of the word.
Legacy
Russ Toombs and family
Mr. Toombs chose to build his career—and his legacy—in Ste. Genevieve. The district and the community are stronger because of it. From launching programs that have changed how students experience support, to shaping the culture of graduation and staff-student connections, to simply being someone others count on every single day, Mr. Toombs has spent his career quietly and powerfully changing lives. His contributions represent the heart of Ste. Genevieve High School, and his example will continue to shape future generations of Dragons for years to come.
About the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize and honor outstanding citizens who have led distinguished lives and who will serve as positive role models for all present and future students of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. Hall of Fame nominees must have: graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School at least 15 years prior to being nominated, and their nomination must be based upon following qualifications: Leadership, Character, Achievement, Service, and Suitability as a Role Model to Students.
About the Ste. Genevieve High School Dragons of Honor Award
The Ste. Genevieve High School Dragons of Honor Award nominees must have: made a significant contribution to the success and accomplishments of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District, and their nomination must be based upon the following qualifications: Leadership, Character, Achievement, Service, and Suitability as a Role Model to Students.