Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Outstanding Educator

Rolla (8/21/2026)… The Rolla Chamber Foundation and Rolla Chamber Education Committee are proud to recognize Carol Waldon as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award! Carol has dedicated more than 20 years to Special Education, including 11 years with Rolla Public Schools. Her nominators described an educator with an extraordinary combination of patience, compassion, skill, and heart.

Carol goes beyond the classroom to help her students build confidence, independence, and important life skills. She recognizes the individual strengths of each student and celebrates progress both big and small. She also takes learning into our community, giving students opportunities to practice real-world skills at local restaurants and businesses.

Whether participating in Special Olympics or receiving instruction when they are medically unable to attend school, Carol makes sure her students feel safe, valued, capable, and included. Most importantly, she sees the strengths in every student and helps them know they belong.

A special thank you to JR Heating & Cooling and Josh Rogers for generously sponsoring the $500 cash prize presented to Carol as part of this year’s award. We are also incredibly grateful to the local businesses who contributed items and gift certificates to create a special gift basket celebrating Carol and this well-deserved achievement.

It takes a community to support and celebrate the educators who make a lasting impact on our students. Congratulations to 2026 winner, Carol Waldon.

For more information about the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce or the Outstanding Educator Award, please contact the Chamber office at 573-364-3577 or visit www.rollachamber.org.