June 6, 2026
Lexington News Lifestyle
Area students graduate from UCM
Area residents were among around 1,700 individuals who met graduate and undergraduate degree requirements and were eligible to participate in the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Spring 2026 Commencement exercises on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.
Shroyer graduates from University of Montana
Nate Shroyer graduated cum laude from the University of Montana with a BSF Bachelor of Science in Foresty with a minor in Fire Science and Ecology.
Girls State
From left, Mizsa White, Kristy Rangel and Emerson Worthington will be attending Missouri Girls State June 20-27. Girls State is a transformative program that empowers young women across Missouri by providing immersive experiences in civic engagement, leadership, and public service while instilling the American Legion Auxiliary motto, Service Over Self. Participants gain valuable skills in public speaking, problem-solving, and civic responsibility through interactive learning through a nonpartisan approach. ALA MGS fosters a sense of patriotism, military service appreciation, dedication to democratic principles, and a commitment to active participation in society. The program’s impact extends beyond the week-long sessions, shaping confident and informed leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities. These ladies’ participation was funded through the American Legion Auxiliary, Rotary Club, and private donations.
Yard of the Month
The Lexington Garden Club has selected the home of Michael and Stephanie Sanders, 1111 Francis St., as Yard of the Month for May. The front yard has a beautiful shade garden, and the side and back yard are lovely as well. It shows a lot of hard work, care and love for flowers — a yard to be proud of. Other winners were: second place, 801 Laurie St.; third place, 12151 Bus. Highway 13; fourth place, 1003 Highland Ave. Honorable mention: 712 Highland Ave., 618 Highland Ave., 403 Highland, 306 Highland Ave., 213 Second St., 16421 and 16423 Summit Camp Rd., 16427 and 16425 Summit Ridge Rd.
DARing to cook
These ladies were young, “Junior” members of the Lafayette-Lexington Chapter of the DAR when “Missouri Juniors DARing to Cook Book!” was published about 50 years ago. In honor of America’s 250th, each week leading up to July 4 we will publish one of their recipes and one of the quotes sprinkled among the pages of the book. Enjoy! ——— LAYERED SALAD
Shoes collected
The Lexington Rotary Club collected a total of 450 pairs of shoes, 31 pairs of socks, and $740 in donations during its annual Shoes For Orphan Souls shoe drive. Pictured with the shoes are Olivia Lundin, Marcus Lundin, local shoe drive chairman Dave Rich, Rachelle Banhart, Earl Parris, Jim Martin, Steve Fuller, Aubrey Burk and Nila Burk. Rotary District 6040 collected a total of 29,417 pairs of shoes.
Volunteers celebrated
Lafayette Regional Health Center’s Auxiliary met last week to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week. This incredible group of ladies volunteer countless hours assisting with various projects around the facility. They also manage the gift shop, the proceeds of which benefit the Auxiliary’s education scholarship and support LRHC’s various community engagement projects, including the food drive, diaper drive and personal hygiene initiative.
Scholarship winners
2026 Chris Banks Memorial Scholarship Finalists will receive $1,000 towards their college tuition. From left are, Back Row: Conner Soendker, Drew Bollmeyer, Hunter Meyer, Blake Kaullen, Chael Lichte, Avery Ellison, Camryn Bennett. Middle: Katy Carter, Hunter Adkins, Marley Rogers, Ellie Taylor, Aleena Kidd, Amanda Rodekohr, Zoey Earnest, Elijah Colon. Front: Nevaeh Rodriguez, Mina Miller. Not pictured: Elizabeth Hager.