Maries County R-2 Schools Scholarship Foundation Committee recognized two of its members on Sunday, Steve Vogt and Alice Taylor, who are celebrating 50 years of service within the Maries County R-2 School District.

During an event at the Belle-Bland Community Center, Vogt and Taylor were both recognized for their 50 years of service with speeches from foundation members, former students, and past scholarship recipients.

Jan Sassmann, chair of the Maries County R-2 Schools Scholarship Foundation Committee, shared that the event was primarily about recognition, but it was also partnered with the Foundation’s only fundraiser for the year, which raised about $8,100 for future scholarships.

“Our recognitions of Steve Vogt and Alice Taylor were followed by the live auction to benefit the Maries County R-2 Scholarship Foundation,” Sassmann said. “They both arrived in 1974, and I really didn’t want this year to go by without thanking them.”

Vogt, a former teacher, still substitute teaches in the district and drives a school bus. Taylor, a former teacher, serves as the district’s A+ coordinator.

“Steve had done everything from classroom to I don’t know how many Washington D.C. and senior trips,” Sassmann said. “Alice started as a kindergarten teacher and was a principal too.”

The Maries County R-2 Scholarship Foundation Committee held its scholarship application selection process on Friday, April 26, but will keep its awardees a secret until the May 8 Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

“We will give away about $44,000 in scholarships this year,” Sassmann said, adding that the number does not include awardees they select on behalf of other outside organizations.

Sassmann reinforced the importance of scholarships for students within the community and for parents to be knowledgeable about what is available.