RESULTS - TJ's 2025-2026 Annual Report by tjeffschool

RESULTS T H O M A S J E F F E R S O N I N D E P E N D E N T DAY S C H O O L

ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 1

THOMAS JEFFERSON INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2026

TJ Class of 2026 Earns Over $6.7 Million in Merit-based Scholarship Offers! We wish to sincerely celebrate the 17 members of Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School’s Class of 2026 who received more than $6,700,000 in merit-based scholarship offers. Every member of the class gained admission to a 4-year college or university, and 72% of the entire class’s estimated cost of college attendance will be covered through accepted scholarships. TJ’s Class of 2026 had an average weighted GPA of 4.09 and an average ACT score of 30 (compared to the current state and national average of 19.8 and 19.4, respectively, as reported by ACT.org).

Kyler Beard

Roman Brake

Nathan Cole

Sarah Cole

Taden Curtis

Trenton Farley

Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS

University of Missouri Columbia, MO

Kenyon College STEM Scholar Gambier, OH

Kenyon College KEEP Scholar Gambier, OH

Missouri University of Science and Technology National Merit Scholar & Kummer Vanguard Scholar Rolla, MO

Brown University Questbridge Scholar Providence, RI

Marley Flanagan

Jenna Joseph

Haley Orr

Saad Rabbi

Liam Sexton

University of Missouri Columbia, MO

University of Missouri-Kansas City Honors Program Kansas City, MO

Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR

Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO

United States Military Academy West Point, NY

James Sheppard Brigham Young University Provo, UT

Arhum Shezad Missouri Southern State University MKEAP Scholar Joplin, MO

2 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Conal Stangeby St. Olaf College Northfield, MN

Kohl Thurman Missouri Southern State University Joplin, MO

Vinicius Villarinho University of Missouri-Kansas City Honors Program Kansas City, MO

James Wisdom Rice University Houston, TX

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES AND MATRICULATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2026 Bold school names indicate matriculations, non-bold names indicate acceptances.

Arkansas State University Baker College Bennington College Brigham Young University Brigham Young University-Idaho Brown University Carleton College Charleston Southern University Claremont McKenna College Cornell University Creighton University Drury University Emory University Florida Atlantic University Grand Canyon University Indiana University-Bloomington John Brown University Kansas State University Kenyon College-STEM & KEEP Scholars Knox College Loyola University Chicago Michigan State University Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University-MKEAP Scholars Missouri State University Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri University of Science and Technology-Kummer Vanguard Scholars Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University AMP-UP Scholars Regis University Rice University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Louis University St. Olaf College Truman State University United States Military Academy University of Arkansas University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Louisville University of Mississippi

University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Oklahoma University of South Alabama University of Tulsa University of Washington-Seattle University of Wisconsin-Madison Utah State University Westminster College Wichita State University Wingate University

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 3

THE SCHOOL’S MISSION Through a dedication to academic excellence, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School stands accountable for educating students to make the most of their abilities. The School educates students to acquire and refine essential academic knowledge and skills; cultivate an appreciation of the arts; develop lifelong fitness skills; assume responsibility for their behavior; seek out challenge; welcome criticism; test new capacities; practice self-discipline; and find joy in learning. The School brings students together with teachers who exemplify intellectual curiosity, a dedication to truth, and the advantages of living the examined life.

CONTENTS: 5 LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 6 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD 8 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 10 ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE ARTS 18 ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 21 LIFETIME CONTRIBUTORS 23 2025-2026 THOMAS JEFFERSON DONORS 25 2025-2026 VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 27 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs. 4 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Letter from the Head of School Dear TJ Families and Friends,

area. Our teams and our students took the stage and the field with the same seriousness: a state runner-up finish for our boys' cross country and track teams, a volleyball invitational championship, and gold medals in music from Pittsburg State's Mid-America Festival. I could fill several more pages, and the report that follows does exactly that.

On May 17, 2026, we crossed a threshold that was thirty years in the making. Our thirtieth senior class walked across the stage, and TJ's alumni family grew to 540 strong. I completed my first year as Head of School this spring, and I can tell you that nothing clarified for me what this place is faster than None of it happens without watching that class graduate. you. Tuition covers roughly two"In an age when a machine can Seventeen young people thirds of what it costs to run this walked in sometime over the produce a passable essay in seconds, I school; your philanthropy covers past fourteen years and walked rest, and it is the reason TJ's find myself more convinced than ever the out having earned admission to tuition remains below every a four-year college or university, that what we actually do here — teach comparable school in the state every single one of them, with a student to ask a good question, to sit while our results remain above more than $6.7 million in meritthem. The Humphreys family's based scholarship offers behind with a hard text, to be accountable to a extraordinary legacy gift this them, an average weighted code they helped articulate — cannot year, alongside hundreds of GPA of 4.09, and an average annual fund gifts large and be automated and is worth every bit of ACT score of 30, far exceeding small, is what lets a family the state average. Numbers like walk their child through our the investment you make in it." that do not happen by accident, doors in pre-kindergarten and they do not happen in a with confidence that the same single year. They are the compounded result of over thirty education will be there, at the same standard, when that years of a faculty and a community insisting that rigor and child is the one walking across the stage in May many character are not in tension with one another — that you years from now. can ask a sixth grader to memorize a poem and a senior In an age when a machine can produce a passable essay to defend a thesis in front of a judge, and that both are in seconds, I find myself more convinced than ever that forming the same kind of mind. what we actually do here — teach a student to ask a good This was a year that made that case in every direction. question, to sit with a hard text, to be accountable to a Our Upper School Scholar Bowl team brought home TJ's code they helped articulate — cannot be automated and first Class 2 state championship and our first state title is worth every bit of the investment you make in it. Thank of any kind since 2017. Two students represented TJ at you for another year of showing up for that work alongside the National Speech & Debate Tournament's preliminary us. I am honored to be leading TJ, and I am grateful every rounds, six traveled to Washington, D.C. for National day for the community that makes it possible. History Day finals, and Taden Curtis was named a National Sincerely, Merit Finalist — one of only three in our entire Four-States region. For the third year running, TJ earned Platinum distinction on the AP® School Honor Roll, one of just eleven Garry Hallman high schools in Missouri to do so, and the only in our Head of School TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 5

Letter from the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Dear TJ Parents, Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Friends, This Annual Report captures another year of our students living out TJ's Mission - excelling not just academically, but on the athletic field, in the arts, and, most importantly, in the development of their character. On May 17th, 2026, we graduated our 30th senior class (what a milestone!). The Class of 2026 is now part of an alumni family 540 strong. These graduates are well prepared for what comes next, joining our other Cavalier alumni succeeding in medicine, law, engineering, business, education, and beyond.

answer in seconds, AI cannot supply judgment or virtue, it cannot tell a student which questions are worth asking, and it cannot make our kids critical thinkers. TJ’s classical liberal arts education can, and does.

This year also marked real progress in leadership. On behalf of the entire community, I extend congratulations to Garry Hallman for completing his first year as Head of School. Great Job! Garry is providing the leadership we need to execute our seven-year Strategic Plan including growing our school, strengthening our financial sustainability, and always ensuring we have world-class faculty. We are Here are some statistics that set us apart: grateful for his energy and his • Average ACT score of 30 for commitment to the classical "Yes – academic excellence is part the senior class (a school record tradition. of our Mission, but so is character for this college placement exam None of this is possible without and 50% above the Missouri development as articulated in our your generosity. Tuition covers average) Honor Code, fitness, self-discipline, an roughly 65% of our operating • Niche.com A+ Overall Rating appreciation of the arts, and finding budget; your philanthropy Only 2.5% of K-12 schools in the covers the rest and keeps TJ’s United States receive that rating joy in learning." tuition below every comparable (and we’re the only one in the school in the state. To our donors area) and the entire TJ community • #5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Missouri thank you for being part of a Mission-driven school still doing, after thirty-three years, exactly what it set out to do. • #2 Best High Schools for the Arts in Missouri • #10 STEM High Schools in Missouri

Go Cavaliers!

• AP ® Platinum Honor Roll School - Third year running

With Warm Regards,

Impressive as these distinctions are, and as proud of them as we should be, they are not the point. They’re just small indicators that TJ’s Mission, it’s recipe for success, works! Yes – academic excellence is part of our Mission, but so is character development as articulated in our Honor Code, fitness, self-discipline, an appreciation of the arts, and finding joy in learning. Our Mission is time tested, and not a word in it has changed since 1993 (thank you Founders for your vision!). The values in our Honor Code are timeless. In an age when Artificial Intelligence can generate any

John Paul Sweeny Chair, Board of Trustees Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School

6 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

TRADITIONS ALL-SCHOOL PICNIC

2025-2026

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 7

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2026

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School

Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2026

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property and equipment. . . . . . . . . . TOTAL ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,124,412 113,811 79,443 1,726,524 9,483,202 13,527,392

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2026-2027 Deferred revenue-tuition . . TOTAL LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

763,345 2,827,892 $

3,591,237

Unrestricted and restricted. . . . . . . . . .

9,936,155

TOTAL NET ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9,936,155

TOTAL LIABILITIES and NET ASSETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13,527,392

NET ASSETS

REVENUE: 2025-2026 Tuition and fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ $

4,286,258 71,137

98% 2%

3,670,428

84%

996,516

23%

867,271

20%

127%

EXPENSES 2025-2026 Salaries and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Covers all administrative and instructional compensation, fringe benefits, and related expenses.

Plant Costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Includes utilities cost, insurance, depreciation, building interest expense, wages and benefits for maintenance staff.

Supporting Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Includes educational materials and equipment and other general costs required for the administration of the school.

Total Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,534,215

Deficit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1,176,820)

Annual Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

323,207

Humphreys Legacy Gift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,500,000

Fundraising (Net of Expenses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

68,418

Funded Scholarships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

65,500

Other Philanthropy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

346,592

8 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Revenue

$6,661,112

Expenses $5,534,215

$7,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ $6,500,000________________________________________________________________________________ OTHER PHILANTHROPY & INCOME $417,729 FUNDRAISING $68,418 OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS $65,500

$6,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ HUMPHREYS LEGACY GIFT $5,500,000________________________________________________________________________________ $1,500,000 DEPRECIATION $407,117 $5,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ SUPPORTING EXPENSES $4,500,000________________________________________________________________________________ $867,271 ANNUAL FUND $323,207 PLANT COSTS (W/O $4,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ DEPRECIATION*): TUITION & FEES $589,399 $4,286,258 $3,500,000________________________________________________________________________________

SALARIES AND $3,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ BENEFITS FOR FACULTY & STAFF: $2,500,000________________________________________________________________________________ $3,670,428 $2,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ $1,500,000________________________________________________________________________________ $1,000,000________________________________________________________________________________ $500,000________________________________________________________________________________ 0________________________________________________________________________________

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 9

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

10 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

TJ STUDENTS EARN AP SCHOLARS RECOGNITION Congratulations to all of our 2026 AP Scholars! During the AP testing period in May 2026, 67 out 67 eligible TJ students (or 100% of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students) took at least one AP exam. Out of 44 eligible students (students who completed at three exams), 40 earned designations as AP Scholars, having completed a total of 249 exams as a group throughout their academic careers with an 83% overall pass rate (compared to about 70% nationally). TJ was named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning PLATINUM distinction, College Board’s highest honor. TJ was one of only 11 high schools in Missouri to earn College Board’s highest level of distinction.

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION Ashan Appuhamy Audrey Bowles Nathan Cole Sarah Cole Liam Cook Taden Curtis Ryker Faaborg Trenton Farley Cormac Gray Lincoln Green Jenna Joseph

Saad Rabbi Jackson Radius Madiha Rehman Abigail Riley Liam Sexton Soha Shaikh Vivian Sharp James Sheppard Conal Stangeby Jaxx Wisdom

TJ NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY NEW INDUCTEES

Congratulations to our newly inducted members of TJ’s National Honor Society. After a presentation by NHS Executive Officers on the four pillars of NHS (Scholarship, Character, Leadership, and Service), our inductees recited the National Honor Society Pledge. New inductees included Elie Faustin, Sofia Jabbar, Phillip Mitchel, Edie Nolan, Felicity Plosser, Michelle Razo, Madelyn Ro, Autumn Schisler, Hyrum Sheppard, Kara Stangeby, Emmie Sweeny, Will Twiss, and Aria Wilson.

TJ SENIOR NAMED QUESTBRIDGE SCHOLAR

C avaliers THOMAS

AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR Lillianna Billings Ava Farris Elie Faustin Sawyer McKinney Kirra Moser Haley Orr Sophia Stinnett Vini Villarinho

JEFFERSON

AP SCHOLAR

Kyler Beard Marley Flanagan Layla Harrell Yousuf Mokhtar Katerina Pruitt Arhum Shezad Ringo Snow Simon Studer Emmie Sweeny Kohl Thurman Jack Twiss

Congratulations to Senior Trenton Farley who was named a QuestBridge Scholar and received a Match offer from his top-ranked college, Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island! Last year, Brown admitted just 5.65% of its 42,765 undergraduate applicants. As a QuestBridge Scholar, Trenton will receive a financial aid package estimated at $383,936, covering tuition & fees, housing & dining, and all indirect costs for the next four years. Trenton plans to pursue a career in education, and to eventually teach history and coach debate.

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 11

UPPER SCHOOL SCHOLAR BOWL TEAM NAMED CLASS 2 STATE CHAMPIONS!

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

TJ SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to 4th grader Alexander Pierce for being crowned Lower School Spelling Bee champion and to 6th grader Nimra Khalil on her Middle School Spelling Bee win! Alexander's winning word was "circulate," and Nimra correctly spelled "scientifically" for the Middle School victory, with 6th grader James Lynch and 4th grader Amber Outhouse earning 2nd place in their division.

Congratulations to the Upper School Scholar Bowl Team, the 2026 MSHSAA Class 2 State Champions! This marks TJ’s first state championship since 2017 and its firstever title in the Class 2 division. The team also claimed the MSHSAA Class 2 District 4 Championship and the Ozark 7 Conference Championship. Nathan Cole and Grayson Bruffett earned All-State honors, while Nathan, Grayson, and Tristan Wadell, were named All-District. Nathan and Grayson were also selected to the Ozark 7 All-Conference Team. Additional congratulations to Nathan Cole who represented TJ at the 2026 NAQT Individual Player National Championship Tournament in Chicago, placing 60th out of 302 (and 1st from Missouri) in the Science and Math Division! The Scholar Bowl team that was at state were Nathan Cole (Team Captain) Taden Curtis, Cormec Gray, Sophia Stinnett, Atom Martin, Grayson Bruffett, and Tristan Wadell. Coach was Dr. Madden.

SIX TJ STUDENTS COMPETE AT THE NATIONAL HISTORY DAY FINALS IN WASHINGTON D.C.!

After advancing from both regional and State competition, six TJ students attended

TJ GEOGRAPHY BEE CHAMPIONS National History Day nationals in Washington D.C. over the summer including: Kirra

Moser, Lillianna Billings, CAE Wood, Tristan Wadell, Madiha Rehman, and Abigal Riley. At nationals, Kirra and Lillianna received a special award entitled “Outstanding Exhibit Award.” Additional regional and state National History Day results include: 1st Place Senior Group Exhibit at State, 2nd Place at Regionals - CAE Wood and Tristan Wadell with “Pitchforks and Printing Presses: Martin Luther and the German Peasant’s War of 1525.” 1st Place Senior Group Website at State, 2nd Place at Regionals - Madiha Rehman and Abigail Riley with “Ten Days Inside, a New Nation Outside: How Nellie Bly’s Experience in the Blackwell Lunatic Asylum Prompted a Reaction, Reform, and Revolution.”

Congratulations to our 2026 Lower School and Middle School Geography Bee winners! The Middle School winner was 7th grader, Ethan Bang, with 7th graders Luke Hanley and Ben Young finishing with a tie for 2nd place. The Lower School champion was 4th grader, Alexander Pierce, and 2nd place runner-up was 4th grader Shrey Dalia.

12 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

2nd Place Senior Group Exhibit at State, 1st Place at Regionals - Lillianna Billings and Kirra Moser with “Bloody Revolution, Crushing Reaction, and Lasting Labor Reform: The Battle that Shook Blair Mountain.” 1st Place Senior Individual Exhibit at Regionals - Audrey Bowles with “Explosion at Black Tom: Revolutionary Attack, Suppressed Reactions, and Controversial Reforms.” 1st Place Senior Group Website at Regionals - Esther Yang and Soha Shaikh with “The Black Panthers and the Abolition of COINTELPRO.” 1st Place Senior Individual Website at Regionals - Vivian Sharp with “From Scandal to Reform: How the Burning Sun Case Reshaped South Korea.” 3rd Place Senior Group Website at Regionals - Liam Cook, Yousuf Mokhtar, Ryker Faaborg, Jack Twiss and Elie Faustin with “The Flying Tigers: A Symbol of America’s Global Shift from Neutrality to Air Superiority.”

MS SCHOLAR BOWL TEAMS GO UNDEFEATED

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

Congratulations to the Middle School Scholar Bowl teams for their incredible seasons. The varsity team finished the season with a perfect score and were the overall varsity team winners and Ozark 7 District Champions! Team members included: Advaiyth Nair (Captain), Shane Harrell, Yunha Kim, Micah Schisler, Jaylen Wang, Luke Hanley and Kai Qian. The junior varsity team also finished as the overall junior varsity winners for the season. Team members included: Rayaan Ashraf, Ethan Bang, Luke Hanley, Lucy Kissell, Jaylen Wang, Shane Harrell, and Kai Qian. The 6th grade team placed 3rd overall for 6th grade teams. Team members included: Nimra Khalil, Cordelia Walker, and Ethan Yang.

TJ’S NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST & COMMENDED SCHOLARS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2026 MSSU REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR Madiha Rehman (Junior) US Air Force Award for Outstanding Science or Engineering Fair Project 3rd place Behavioral or Social Sciences Senior Division

Nathan Cole (Senior) 2nd place Behavioral or Social Sciences Senior Division

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN MSSU MATH LEAGUE!

Congratulations to senior Taden “Tad” Curtis who was named a 2026 National Merit Finalist in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Tad is one of only three National Merit Semifinalists in our general Four-States area and represents less than one percent of TJ STUDENT PUBLISHED Congratulations to Sophomore, Iley Dunlavy, whose short story, U.S. high school seniors. Additional “Tomorrow’s Headline,” was selected to be published in a forthcoming congratulations to seniors Nathan Cole, Liam Sexton, and Jaxx Wisdom, “Young Writer’s Anthology: Stranger Sagas.” who were named 2026 National Merit Commended Scholars.

Our Upper School math team received 1st place at Missouri Southern Math League this year! Students competed monthly in a variety of mathematical topics, both individually and as a team. Scores were cumulative and awards were given for 1st place team and 1st and 2nd place individual. Our team swept the division with Liam Cook earning 2nd place individual and Grayson Bruffett earning 1st place individual.

TJ STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS AT REGIONAL EARTH DAY CONTEST

Congratulations to our Cavalier Middle and Upper School science students who excelled at the 2026 MSSU Earth Day Contest! High School Art Project: High School Educational Poster: Autumn Schisler – 1st Place Madiha Rehman – 1st Place, Ciera Ancell – 2nd Place Two Years in a Row Nathan Cole – 2nd Place High School Upcycle Project: Emmie Sweeny – 2nd Place Middle School Educational Poster: Nimra Khalil (6th grade) – 2nd Place Charlie Fields (6th grade)

C avaliers THOMAS

JEFFERSON

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 13

MS & US STUDENTS SHINE AT THE OZARK 7 MATH & SCIENCE COMPETITION Congratulations to the Middle School and Upper School students who participated in the Ozark 7 Math and Science Competition.

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

TJ STUDENTS PLACE IN CARVER CONTEST

Congratulations to the three TJ students who received awards from the George Washington Carver National Monument Art & Essay Contest 2026 which awards creative works from students across the Four-States.

Math Results:

Science Results:

Algebra I: Ben Young - 1st, Jaylen Wang - 2nd

MS Mystery Build: Drake Jacobson & Micah Schisler - three-way tie for 2nd

Geometry: Shane Harrell - 1st, Emmaline Pitts - tied for 2nd

HS Paper Tower: Kai Faaborg & Sam Goodhue - 2nd

Algebra II: Josh Young - 1st, Brecken Wadell - tied for 2nd

HS Mystery Build: Vivian Sharp & Esther Yang - 1st

Advanced Math: Conal Stangeby - 1st, Tad Curtis - 2nd

HS Ping Pong Ball Run: Brecken Wadell & Krish Shah - 1st

Math Potpourri: Ryker Faaborg - 1st, Trenton Farley - 2nd

Science Bowl: The All-Star team of Grayson Bruffett, Nathan Cole, Atom Martin, and Tristan Wadell went undefeated to win 1st place.

US STUDENTS COMPETE IN NSDA AND MSHSAA SPEECH AND DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oluwaseun Ajibola 1st Place, 2D Art

Azlan Shaikh 2nd Place, 3rd Grade Essay

Fiona Kamler-McKenzie Honorable Mention, 3rd Grade Essay

14 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Five students represented TJ at the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, joining thousands of students from 1,500 of the best schools across the country. Juniors Soha Shaikh and Katerina Pruitt (NSDA District Champions) competed in Policy Debate, while Senior Trenton Farley (NSDA District Champion) advanced to the preliminary round in Senate Congressional Debate. Juniors Ryker Faaborg and Sawyer McKinney competed in Expository Speaking and Extemporaneous Debate, respectively. TJ had four NSDA Academic All Americans which is determined by a combination of accumulated NSDA points, GPA, and ACT score. Those four students were Felicity Plosser, Ryker Faaborg, Trenton Farley, and Soha Shaikh.

MSHAA Speech & Debate Results: TJ’s Speech & Debate team won 2nd place at the MSHSAA Districts in Monett. This was determined by the total number of points earned by each student: Felicity Plosser, Ryker Faaborg, Soha Shaikh, Katerina Pruitt, Jackson Radius, Sawyer McKinney, Saad Rabbi, Jaxx Wisdom, and Trenton Farley. Ryker, Soha, Katerina, Jaxx, and Trenton advanced to the MSHSAA State Championship. Individual MSHSAA District & State results: Soha Shaikh and Katerina Pruitt - 4th Place in Policy Debate at State & Districts Ryker Faaborg – 4th Place in LincolnDouglas Debate at State, 3rd Place at Districts Trenton Farley and Jaxx Wisdom – 4th Place in Public Forum Debate (State Qualifier) Sawyer McKinney and Jackson Radius – 5th Place in Public Forum Debate Saad Rabbi - 7th Place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate

C avaliers THOMAS

JEFFERSON

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

HONORS DAY Students Honored for Academic Achievement at Honors Day Celebrations

onors Day at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School is an annual celebration of academic excellence, and students in grades 7-12 receive recognition for achieving a 95% or higher grade in any of their core classes and/or earning straight ‘A’ grades in all classes during the first three quarters of the school year. In addition, we recognize the highest GPA in each class, classes with the highest average GPA, and additional state and national awards. TJ celebrates accomplishment, and we believe all students can be inspired to make the most of their ability and realize their full potential.

UPPER SCHOOL Class with the highest GPA: Class of 2027 (11th Grade) Highest Academic Achievement in each grade: 9th Grade: Grayson Bruffett 10th Grade: Madelyn Ro 11th Grade: Lillianna Billings 12th Grade: James Sheppard Special Awards & Recognition: Daughters of the American Revolution: Marley Flanagan Missouri Scholars Academy: Autumn Schisler & Hyrum Sheppard Creative Writing Award: Sarah Cole Mel Hancock Freedom Award: Kirra Moser National Merit Scholarship Program: Commended: Nathan Cole, Liam Sexton, Jaxx Wisdom Finalist: Tad Curtis Outstanding Performance in Music, History, & Science: All-State Choir: Lincoln Green & Jenna Joseph All-State Orchestra: Lydia Fahrenholtz Missouri Small Schools All-State Band: Ciera Ancell National History Day: Vivian Sharp, Yousuf Mokhtar, Liam Cook, Jack Twiss, Ryker Faaborg, Elie Faustin, Soha Shaikh, Esther Yang, Audrey Bowles, Kirra Moser, Lillianna Billings, CAE Wood, Tristan Wadell, Madiha Rehman, Abigail Riley Science Fair: Madiha Rehman, Nathan Cole

Missouri Society of Professional Engineers Bridge-Building Competition: Ashan Appuhamy – 3rd Place

Special Awards & Recognition Spelling Bee Champion: Nimra Khalil

Middle & Upper School Robotics: Rayaan Ashraf, Nathan Cole, Tad Curtis, Pierce Dwyer, Cormac Gray, Lincoln Green, Atom Martin

Geography Bee Champion: Ethan Bang

Speech & Debate: Alex Stremel, Kai Faaborg, Saad Rabbi, Brady Starks, Lily Maynard, Jackson Radius, Sawyer McKinney, Jaxx Wisdom, Katerina Pruitt, Soha Shaikh, Ryker Faaborg, Trenton Farley, Elizabeth Plosser US Math Contests: Grayson Bruffet, Tristan Wadell, Brecken Wadell, Josh Young, Autumn Schisler, Paris Stangeby, Brady Starks, Ashan Appuhamy, Liam Cook, Ryker Faaborg, Jackson Radius, Cormac Gray, Layla Harrell, Madiha Rehman, Vivan Sharp, Soha Shaikh, Nathan Cole, Tad Curtis, Trenton Farley, Conal Stangeby, Jaxx Wisdom Society of Industrial & Applied Mathematics Regional Competition: Liam Cook, Ryker Faaborg, Tad Curtis, Ashan Appuhamy, Jackson Radius Upper School Scholar Bowl: Class 2 State Champions Nathan Cole (Team Captain, All-State), Sophia Stinnett, Atom Martin, Krish Shah, Tad Curtis, Brecken Wadell, Tristan Wadell, Brady Starks, Grayson Bruffett (All-State) Head of School Award: Jaxx Wisdom

MIDDLE SCHOOL Class with the highest GPA: Class of 2031 (7th Grade)

Middle School Math Contests Rayaan Ashraf, Ethan Bang, Shane Harrell, Yunha Kim, Advaiyth Nair, Micah Schisler, Jaylen Wang Middle School Scholar Bowl Advaiyth Nair, Shane Harrell, Yunha Kim, Micah Schisler, Jaylen Wang, Luke Hanley, Kai Qian, Rayaan Ashraf, Ethan Bang, Lucy Kissell, Nimra Khalil, Cordelia Walker, Ethan Yang Head of School Award: Blair Hocker National Latin Exam (Middle & Upper School) Ben Young, Rayaan Ashraf, Enoch Faustin, Micah Schisler, Grayson Bruffett, Lydia Fahrenholtz, Autumn Schisler, Cormac Gray, Ethan Bang, Kai Qian, Jude Stadler, Jaylen Wang, Luke Hanley, Kevin York, Ray Situ, Grace Liao, Fred Peterson, Michael Neidholt, Katerina Pruitt, Jackson Radius, Lincoln Green, Shep Maxfield, Zeina Greenlee, Ryan Mereih, Lucy Sexton National Spanish Exam (Middle & Upper School) Adrianna Destephen, Norah Jabar, Alex Stremel, Sam Goodhue, Lincoln Jessip, Emmaline Pitts, Maxwell Shifferd, Michelle Razo, Sofia Jabbar, Amelia Parker, Phillip Mitchell, Peyton Rodriguez, Sara Maksoud, Jonathan Sheppard, Eden Cazares, Audrey Bowles, Elie Faustin, Soha Shaikh, Nathan Cole, Vini Villarinho, Sarah Cole, Liam Sexton, Jaxx Wisdom, Abigail Riley, Sawyer McKinney, Madiha Rehman

Highest Academic Achievement in each grade: 7th Grade: Advaiyth Nair 8th Grade: Ben Young

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 15

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

IN THE ARTS 2025-2026

16 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

MSHSAA DISTRICT SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL Entries that received an Exemplary award performed again at the MSHSAA State Music festival. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

IN THE ARTS 2025-2026

S.W. MISSOURI DISTRICT HONOR CHOIR Lillianna Billings Sarah Cole Adriana Destephen Lydia Fahrenholtz Lincoln Green Jenna Joseph Kirra Moser Keira Rose Sophia Stinnett Esther Yang

MISSOURI ALL-STATE CHOIR Jenna Joseph Lincoln Green S. W. MISSOURI DISTRICT HONOR ORCHESTRA Eden Cazares Lydia Fahrenholtz Lincoln Green Jenna Joseph Lucy Sexton Liam Sexton Hyrum Sheppard S.W. MISSOURI DISTRICT HONOR BAND Ciera Ancell, flute MISSOURI All-STATE ORCHESTRA Lydia Fahrenholtz, violin MISSOURI SMALL SCHOOLS ALL-STATE BAND Ciera Ancell, flute

EXEMPLARY (1) AWARDS Piano Solos: Grayson Bruffett, Peter Draxler, Lydia Fahrenholtz Violin Solos: Eden Cazares, Peter Draxler, Lydia Fahrenholtz, Madelyn Ro Flute Solo: Ciera Ancell Instrumental Ensembles: The Ro Quartet, Quartetto Minuetto Vocal Solos: Grayson Bruffett, Sarah Cole, Peter Draxler, Jenna Joseph, Hailee Moser, Keira Rose Esther Yang Vocal Ensembles: Ladies 4, Obviously Octet, Gentlemen 4, The Freshmen 6, The Joplin People Upper School Vocal Ensemble Upper School Orchestra OUTSTANDING (2) AWARDS Vocal Solos: Lillianna Billings, Lincoln Green, Kirra Moser Viola Solo: Lincoln Green Piano Solo: Katerina Pruitt Instrumental Ensembles: Rumlink Duo MSHSAA STATE SOLO & SMALL ENBSEMBLE FESTIVAL GOLD MEDALS: Freshmen 6 (Vocal Ensemble), The Joplin People (Vocal Ensemble), The Ro Violin Quartet, Vocal solos: Grayson Bruffett, Peter Draxler Violin solos: Lydia Fahrenholtz, Madelyn Ro Piano solos: Grayson Bruffett, Peter Draxler, Lydia Fahrenholtz Flute solo: Ciera Ancell SILVER MEDALS: Ladies 4 (vocal ensemble), Obviously Octet (vocal ensemble), Gentlemen 4 (vocal ensemble), Quartetto Minuetto (string ensemble), Vocal solos: Jenna Joseph, Sarah Cole, Esther Yang, Keira Rose, Hailee Moser, Peter Draxler, Violin solo: Eden Cazares 2026 MO All-State Children's Chorus Members: Evelyn Emery Sadie Sheppard Shrey Dalia Theo Enslow

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC MID-AMERICA MUSIC FESTIVAL – Pittsburg State University GOLD MEDALS Middle School Vocal Ensemble Vocal Ensembles: Purple Ensemble, Gold Ensemble Vocal Solos: Blair Hocker, Nimra Khalil, Cordelia Walker, Adelynn Billings, Chandler Phillips Middle School Orchestra String Solos: Ethan Bang, Daniel Fahrenholtz, Grace Liao, Advaiyth Nair, Jaylen Wang, Blair Hocker, Yunha Kim Middle School Band Band Ensembles: Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Sixth Grade Mixed Ensemble Band Solos: Makinzi Hupp, Lily Miller Piano Solo: Daniel Fahrenholtz CAVALIERS EARN TOP AWARDS AT OZARK 7 CONFERENCE ART CONTEST These TJ students earned awards in their categories: GRAPHITE: 4th - Lively Stewart “Find 7 Gnomes” COLORED PENCIL: HM - Anthony Terry “Bass Reeves” PHOTOGRAPHY: 1st - Myles Green “United 2” 2nd - Abigail Riley “Empty” HM - Lucy Lavery “Mice” WATERCOLOR PAINTING: HM - Kara Stangeby “Elizebeth Text” OIL PAINTING: 2nd - Keira Flanagan “Cut in Half, Then Divide” HM - Lucy Lowery “Ought to Be Quiet”

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 17

ATHLETIC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

18 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

ATHLETIC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

Hyrum Shepard: Academic All-State James Shepard: Academic All-State Jack Twiss: All-Conference (4th), All-District (8th), All-State (24th), All-SWCCCA 1st Team, Academic All-State Will Twiss: Ozark 7 Conference Champion/Runner of the Year, All-District (3rd), All-State (7th), All-SWCCCA 1st Team, Academic All-State Clayton Carnahan: Ozark 7 Conference Coach of the Year, SWCCCA Co-Coach of the Year Austin Bunn: SWCCCA Co-Coach of the Year

US Girls Tennis

Esther Yang: Class 2 Singles State Qualifier, Academic All-State Sara Maksoud: Academic All-State Madelyn Ro: Academic All-State Jenna Joseph: Academic All-State Audrey Bowles: Academic All-State

Fall Season US Girls Cross Country

TEAM Class 1 State Top 10 – 7th Place Class 1 District 2 – 4th Place (State Qualifiers) Ciera Ancell: Academic All-State Kirra Moser: All-Conference (2nd), All-District (15th), All-State (22nd), All-SWCCCA 1st Team, Academic All-State Haley Orr: All Conference (7th), All-District (25th), All-SWCCCA Honorable Mention, Academic All-State Abigail Riley: All-Conference (10th), Academic All-State Vivian Sharp: Ozark 7 Conference Champion/Runner of the Year, All-District (9th), All-State (18th), All-SWCCCA 1st Team, Academic All-State

US Boys Cross Country

TEAM Class 2 State Runner-Up Class 2 District 2 Champions Ozark 7 Conference Champions, Class 2 SWCCCA Champions, Class 2 Father Tolton Champions, Classes 1-3 MSSU Stampede Champions Liam Cook: All-Conference (7th), All-District (10th), All-SWCCCA 2nd Team, Academic All-State Spencer Long: All-Conference (5th), All-District (7th), All-State (27th), All-SWCCCA 1st Team Gavin Sharp: All-District (29th), All-SWCCCA Honorable Mention, Academic All-State

US Girls Volleyball

TEAM TJ Volleyball Invitational Champions Keira Flanagan: Ozark 7 Honorable Mention Marley Flanagan: 2nd Team All-Ozark 7 Conference Anna Hiebert: 1st Team All-Ozark 7 Conference, 2nd Team All-District, Academic All-State Vivian Sharp: Ozark 7 Honorable Mention, Academic All-State Emmie Sweeny: Ozark 7 Conference Player of the Year, 1st Team All-District Eden Cazares: Academic All-State Soha Shaikh: Academic All-State

Winter Season US Girls Basketball

Anna Hiebert: Unanimous 1st Team All-Ozark 7, 4SBCA 1st Team All-Area, All-Class 1 District 4, McAuley All-Tournament Haley Orr: MBCA Academic All-State CAE Wood: 2nd Team All-Ozark 7, All-Class 1 District 4 Lindsey Showalter: Class 1 District 4 Coach of the Year

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 19

US Boys Basketball

Trenton Farley: MBCA Academic All-State Kohl Thurman: 1,000 Point Club, 2nd Team All-Ozark 7, All-Class 2 District 12, McAuley AllTournament Jack Twiss: 1,000 Point Club, 2nd Team All-Ozark 7, All-Class 2 District 12 Will Twiss: Unanimous 1st Team All-Ozark 7, 4SBCA 1st Team All-Area, All-Class 2 District 12, McAuley AllTournament, Liberal All-Tournament Jaxx Wisdom: MBCA Academic All-State Chris Myers: Class 2 District 12 Coach of the Year, Liberal Tournament Champions

Spring Season US Girls Track TEAM

Ozark 7 Conference Team Champions Aubrey Freeborg: 200M Ozark 7 Champion/Sectional Qualifier Anna Hiebert: Javelin Ozark 7 Champ/District Champ/ Sectional Qualifier & LJ/HJ Ozark 7 Champ/Sectional Qualifier/ State Qualifier Kirra Moser: 800m Sectional Qualifier Edith Nolan: 1600M Sectional Qualifier & 3200M Sectional/ State Qualifier Vivian Sharp: 800m Sectional Qualifier, 1600M Ozark 7 Champ/ Sectional/State Qualifier, 3200M Ozark 7 Champ/SectionalState 7th Place Emmie Sweeny: Triple Jump Ozark 7 Conference Champion Esther Yang: 400M Ozark 7 Champion/Sectional Qualifier & 100M Sectional Qualifier 400M Relay: Ozark 7 Conference Champs/District Champions/ Sectional/State Qualifiers - Freeborg, Maksoud, Orr, Yang, Hiebert 800M Relay: Ozark 7 Conference Champs/Sectional/State Qualifiers - Freeborg, Maksoud, Moser, Sweeny, Orr 1600M Relay: Ozark 7 Conference Champs/District Champs/ Sectional Qualifiers - Freeborg, Moser, Orr, Yang 3200M Relay: Ozark 7 Conference Champs/District Champs/ Sectional/State Qualifiers - Moser, Orr, Sharp, Riley, Shifferd

US Boys Track TEAM

Class 1 District 5 Team Champions Class 1 Sectional 3 Team Champions Class 1 State Runner Ups – 2nd Place Roman Brake: Long Jump Ozark 7 Conference Champ/ Sectional Qualifier Liam Cook: 200M & 400M Ozark 7 Conference Champ/ Sectional Qualifier & 800M Sectional Qualifier – 4th Place in State 400M Spencer Long: 1600M & 3200M Sectional/State Qualifier – 7th Place in State 1600M Anthony Terry: Javelin Ozark 7 Conference Champ 20 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

ATHLETIC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2025-2026

Jack Twiss: 800M Ozark 7 Conference Champ/District Champ/ Sectional/State Qualifier (4th In State) & 400M Sectional Qualifier Will Twiss: 1600M & 3200M Ozark 7 Conference Champ/District Champ/Sectional/State Qualifier- 3200M State Champ, 1600M 2nd 1600M Relay: Class 1 District 5 Champs/Sectional/State Qualifiers – Cook, Sharp, Twiss, Twiss 3200M Relay: Ozark 7 Conference Champs/Class 1 District 5 Champs/Sectional/ STATE CHAMPS - Cook, Sharp, Twiss, Twiss, Long Academic All-State: Liam Cook, Elie Faustin, Sam Goodhue, Lincoln Green, Yousuf Mokhtar, Jack Twiss, Will Twiss, Vini Villarinho, Brecken Wadell, Tristan Wadell, Jaxx Wisdom

US Boys Tennis

Ryker Faaborg: Academic All-State Sam Goodhue: Class 2 District 7 Singles Champion/State Qualifier, Academic All-State Phillip Mitchell: Academic All-State Yousuf Mokhtar: Academic All-State Saad Rabbi: Academic All-State

US Golf

Spencer Long: All-Ozark 7 Conference Golfer Jack Twiss: All-Ozark 7 Conference Golfer/State Qualifier (19th

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES

Alumni are in bold.

Monticello Society

Cavalier Society

($1,000,000 or more) Anonymous E.L. Craig Foundation Ed and Alison Hershewe David and Debra Humphreys

($50,000 - $99,999) Anonymous Mr. Sam Butcher Hong Hong and Kathy Chen Dr. and Mrs. John Cragin The Flanagan Group Keller Williams Scholarship Karl and Cathi Glassman Dr. Ali and Carol Hammad The Honorable and Mrs. Mel Hancock Mr. and Mrs. Ken Haubein The Hershewe Law Firm Dr. and Mrs. Richard Joseph Jr. Geoff and Christine Morrison Joseph and Rebecca Newman Patty Jessee Photography Precious Moments Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Tom Reinsvold Dan and Trina Scott Mike and Molly Shifferd Bob and Becky Stuppy Steven and Nancy Westfall Mark and Stephanie Williams

Potomac Society ($500,000 - $999,999) Leggett and Platt, Incorporated Dr. Mike and Laura McDonald Missouri Walnut, LLC

Liberty Society ($200,000 - $499,999) Sarah Humphreys Atkins and Paul Atkins Dr. Lance and Sharon Beshore Donald and Melinda Butcher Doris Carlin and Gary Bandy Ivan and Betty Lou Crossland Kathleen, Patrick and Dr. Dian Doody William T. Kemper Foundation Roslyn Talve Gift Trust TJ Booster Club TJ Parent Association Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walkenhorst

Presidents Society ($100,000 - $199,999) Bill and JoAnn Brennan Harry and Ann Cornell Shirley Cornell Crossland Construction Co., Inc. Dan and Tracey Goodhope Waterjet Systems, Inc. Matthew Henry - Saptron, Inc. Dr. Michael and Jeri Lynn Joseph Mike McDonald and Peg McDonald Stephen and Janine McNally Cary Oserowsky and Jill Brennan Jerry and Nancy Perry T. Mike and Teri Riggs John and Catherine Sweeny Vision Ayuda Inc. Tom Wells and Wendy Wright Tim and Kathy Whelan

Independence Society ($25,000 - $49,999) Dr. and Mrs. David Ball Dr. and Mrs. David Black Karl and Alice Blade Mr. and Mrs. Kent Blanchard Robert and Saori Carlson Bill and Bonnie Carter Coca-Cola Company Cabal Culp - Class of 2005 Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Dandridge, Jr. Drs. Arthur and Vykki Daus Bob and Laveta Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Frank Evans Mr. and Mrs. Ted B. Evans, Jr. Adam and Paula Fahrenholtz Chris and Jenny Freeborg Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Graham Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hatlelid David Craig Humphreys Foundation Joy Spiva Cragin Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Raaji Kanan John and Carol Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Doug Lown John and Merre Putnam Charles and Sae Ri Ro

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Standlee TAMKO Building Products Pat and Debbie Thompson Wayside Furniture - Allen and Gina Trimble Mr. and Mrs. Felix Wright

Enlightenment Society ($10,000 - $24,999) Mr. and Mrs. Ray Alburty James and Sherry Amyx John and Gina Atteberry Mr. and Mrs. Jim Baine Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Bazzano Brent and Erica Beshore-Class of 2005 Eric Beshore Dr. and Mrs. Les Bickford Dian and Dale Blanchard The Doris Carlin Team Scholarship Carthage Marble Gabe and Heather Castleberry Commerce Bank of Joplin Bennie and Shonda Crossland Mrs. Virginia Crossland Kasey, Cragin, and Sally Currence Sidney Davis David and Debie Donica Drs. Pat and Dian Doody Gary and Suzanne Duncan Clay and Shyla Dwyer Drs. Eden and Enrico Esguerra Adam and Paula Fahrenholtz Andy and Judy Falls Mark E. Farnham Ron and Joy Flake Dr. and Mrs. Stanley P. Frankoski Freeman Hospital Gatesman Agency Jacob and Victoria Gutwillig - Class of 2005 Sean and Leslie Hamlett Greg and Nickey Hiebert Brad and Jenny Hocker Dr. and Mrs. James Hoff The J.P. Humphreys Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Claude Jardon Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jennings John M. Cragin 2001 CRUT Drs. Jason and Elizabeth Kent Justin and Michelle Kleinheider Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Kupersmith Dr. Michael R. LaFerla, DDS TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 21

LIFETIME GIVING SOCIETIES Alumni are in bold. Lagow Portrait Designs, Inc. Mr. Chris Leiter Dr. and Mrs. Rob Lieurance Steven L. McCollum Keith and Carolyn McMorrow Millennium Tennis & Fitness Club, LLC John and Christi Moore Dr. Michael and Cindy Phillips Dr. and Mrs. Richard Price Douglas C. Richards Dr. David and Becky Seidl Drs. Peter and Deborah Selove Dr. Jane Seto Southwest Missouri Wellness Center, LLC - Dr. Brian Murphy Rodney and Sherry Spriggs Dr. Robert Stauffer Dr. and Mrs. D. Mitchell Stinnett Dr. and Mrs. Robert Stringer Todd and Jillian Twiss Dr. Cherylon Yarosh and Mr. Tom Brumfield

Scholars Society ($5,000 - $9,999) John and Lori Alburty Jacki Allen and Ryan Ferrier Ami Creations Mo Anderson Annual Rummage Sale Anonymous Anthony Arevalos and Kim Wood Kent and Mary Arnold Atlas Safe Rooms John and Gina Atteberry Charles and Susan Baker Mike and Debbie Ball Amy and John Bass Blake and Teresa Beshore - Class of 2005 Margaret Beshore Bishop's Fine Art Photography Bittersweet Quilts - Mrs. Robbi Triplett Dr. John and Justine Boots Dr. Randy and Melissa Bowles Robert and Susan Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Leland Browne Rob and Leisha Burnett Dr. Trey and Cynthia Butler Mr. and Mrs. John Buxbaum Calibrated Forms Co., Inc. The Carlin Team @ Keller Williams Realty 22 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Drs. John and Lisa Cascone Coach Light RV Sales & Service Mark and Gelmis Cole Countryside Flowers Crabby's Seafood Bar & Grill Mr. Mike Crossland Heeral and Samir Dalia Kyle and Anna Davis Denis and Ellen Desmond Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Doody Clay and Shyla Dwyer Patrick and Rebecca Dwyer Hugh and Reesie Edmondson Dan and Diana Fahrenholtz Rich and Dai Flake Frank E. Ford, Jr. Adam and Amanda Giebler Travis and Rachel Goodhue Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Greenberg Glenn Gulick Brian and Amy Ipsen JAG Consulting, LLC Dale and Peg Janssen Dr. Darwin Jeyaraj and Dr. Rebecca Jeyaseelan Joplin Printing Co. Dr. and Mrs. Richard Joseph, Sr. King Family Charitable Foundation Mike and Kathy Knapp Dr. and Mrs. Brad Laird Fred and Zana Landreth La-Z-Boy Midwest Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Leeka Adonai and Jill Leiva Jeff and Tracy Lewsader Liberty Utilities Company Litho Printing Drs. David and Melissa Locher Dr. Clarence and Joan Martin Maryland Monogram Cynthia and Keith McAllister Drs. Chris and Amy Meoli Mercy Derek and Alyson Miller Drs. Mark and Diane Moore Mythos Mrs. Sara Newman Dale and Brenda Nichols Noble Communications Dr. and Mrs. Rahul Oberoi Orthopaedic Specialists of the Four States Jeff and Sarah Park

Matthew and Carrie Parrish Dr. Ben and Katie Parsons Dr. and Mrs. Michael Patterson Winston and Ramona Perkins Dr. Susan Pitts and Mr. Jason Pitts Drs. Michael and Karen Porte PRO 100 Realtors William Qian and Susan Cheng and Xiaohong Su Dr. Robert Renger, DDS - Robert and Cari Renger Dr. and Mrs. Jack V. Rhoads RJR Nabisco Foundation Drs. Mark and Sarah Saladin Dr. and Mrs. Atman Shah Tony and Missina Sharp John Sheehan and Celia Clancy Skinovations Cody and Jana Smith Tuck and Lindsay Snow Justin and Misty Southard Dr. Michael and Leann Stausing Fred and Ann Tillis Tri-State Import Cars Inc. Twister Safe Edward and Cheryl Vasquez Cindy Walker Rex and Joyce Walker Art and Laura Weiss John and Jennie Wilson Dr. Joseph T. Witek Dr. Kim Wood Robert and Robin Wood Aaron and Chloe Yang Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Yen Michael and Karen Yukevich, Jr. Dr. David and Bonnie Zuehlke Bonnie Zuehlke

Restricted Donations David and Debra Humphreys Legacy Gift Roslyn Talve Gift Trust RT Family Trust Ms. Margot Patterson

Scholarship Funds The Carlin Team @ Keller Williams Realty Missouri Walnut Scholarships Matthew Henry - Saptron LLC.

2025-26 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN DONORS Alumni & current students are in bold.

TJ Patrons ($10,000 and over) Sarah Humphreys Atkins and Paul Atkins Brent and Erica Beshore Class of 2001 Ivan and Betty Lou Crossland Crossland Construction Company Ed and Alison Hershewe David and Debra Humphreys Mike and Laura McDonald John and Catherine Sweeny

TJ Leaders ($5,000 - $9,999) Jacki Allen and Ryan Ferrier Lance and Sharon Beshore Jill Brennan and Cary Oserowsky Heeral and Samir Dalia Adam and Paula Fahrenholtz Chris and Jenny Freeborg Karl and Cathi Glassman Jacob and Victoria Gutwillig Class of 2005 Vera and Richard Joseph, II Sae Ri and Charles Ro Mike and Molly Shifferd Cody and Jana Smith Allen and Gina Trimble

TJ Explorers ($2,500 - $4,999) Rob and Leisha Burnett Cabal Culp - Class of 2005 Garry Hallman Brad and Jenny Hocker The Jabbar Family David and Christine Morrison Dan and Trina Scott Waterjet Systems International Dan and Tracey Goodhope

TJ Sentinels ($1,000 - $2,499) Bennett, Inc. Randy and Melissa Bowles JoAnn Brennan Debie and David Donica The Downey Family Wayne and Rebecca Edson The Emery Family Roger and Mary Ann Enslow

Dr. Tyler Fraum and Mrs. Karishma Furtado - Class of 2004 Adam and Amanda Giebler Matt and Michelle Hammons Dr. and Mrs. Rahul Oberoi Daniel and Lauren Oney-Stadler Will Peterson Susan and Jason Pitts Jeff Riesenmy and Holly Grothues Class of 2004 Alex and Sophie Schwartz Class of 2005 Dr. Atman and Archana Shah Drs. Babar Shaikh and Murk Kaka Darrell and LeAnn Standlee Deborah and Mitch Stinnett Todd and Jillian Twiss Rex and Joyce Walker Tim and Kathy Whelan Josh and Haley Williams The Wood Family Aaron and Chloe Yang

TJ Anniversary Club ($500 - $999) Anonymous (2) Drs. Aedra and Lawrence Andrade John and Gina Atteberry Lauden and Marriah Baker Blake and Teresa Beshore Class of 2005 Shannon Bickford Scott and Brieanna Blackledge Tom Brumfield and Cherylon Yarosh The Carroll Family Collin Crossland - Class of 2008 Matt and Elissa Crossland Class of 2005 The Cullers Family The Davis Family Jim Doughan and Patti Rush The Dwyer Family The Faustin Family Geoffrey and Kelsey Graham Carter and Amie Henson Anne Hershewe & Aaron Wynhausen Class of 2006 IBM Corporation Bradley Knapp - Class of 2001 Zina Lewis Long Liao and Anna Chen Robert and Katie McDaniel

Steve and Patsy McDaniel Dr. Brian and Dottie Murphy Dawn Oney Justice and Nicole Perkins Tucker and Lindsey Poling Class of 1997 Patricia Price David and Becky Seidl Tony and Missina Sharp Tuck and Lindsay Snow The Stangeby Family The Stinnett Family The Varney Family Cindy Walker George and Laura Wang Molly Williams

TJ Freedom Club ($250 - $499) Anonymous ('01, '06) Zeeshan Ali and Mariyam Mughal Kelsey Atteberry - Class of 2021 Clayton Carnahan Dr. Charles Curtis Gary and Mary Davis The Draxler Family David and Katie Alms Ford Class of 2005 Steven and Lucinda Garcia Syeda and Donnie Greenlee Edward Hershewe - Class of 2016 Gabriel Hershewe - Class of 2017 The Hinkle Family Dr. Muhammad Hussain & Mrs. Fnu Marium Mike and Kathy Knapp Spencer & Elizabeth Knapp Class of 2004 Nancy and Leonard Kupersmith The Lakeman Family Rick and Reta Liles David and Melissa Locher Michael and Kathryn Maxie Microsoft Alex and Nici Oserowsky Class of 2012 Grant and Sara Oserowsky Class of 2009 & 2008 Margot Patterson William Qian and Susan Cheng Jose and Eunice Razo Kathleen and William Rhoads Class of 2006 & 2007 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 23

2025-26 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN DONORS Alumni & current students are in bold.

Dave and Carolyn Richins Brian and Meghan Ridley Jonathan Shumaker and Teni Butler Class of 2012 The Sirmon Family Jeannine Smith Shauna Tharp Luciano Villarinho and Vanessa Macedo The Yang Family

TJ Contributors Club ($100 - $249) Anonymous (12) Nuzhat Ahmad and Nauman Ashraf The Ajibola Family The Anibal Family Christian Atteberry - Class of 2015 Savanah and Coleman Bandy Class of 2010 Chris Bauer Jason and Amanda Beard Georgia Beauchamp Bruce and Dorean Blackketter Jane M. Brady in memory of Steven McCollum Nicholas and Raeann Brinley Steven and Debra Chapman Rama Challapalli Sri and Namrata Susarla Gelmis and Mark Cole The Cuffee Family Bob, Terri, and Summer Davidson Class of 2008 Ulla and Eric Delman Lauren and Yimin Ding Mary Draxler - Class of 2024 Michele Dunker Dr. Morgan Dunker - Class of 2016 Christine Emery Drs. Enrico and Eden Esguerra Brian and Debra Featherstone Erin Fledderman Dushanka Ganepola & Amila Appuhamy Carolyn Golden Carlos Gomez The Gonzalez Family Jack Goodhue - Class of 2005 The Goolsby Family Kimberly Gray Jeremy and Meaghan Gustafson The Hanley Family Brett and Kayleen Hecksher Class of 2009 Avery Hocker - Class of 2004 24 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

Bob and Jane Honeywell Dr. Michael and Autumn Hulderman Syed S. Hyder Dale and Margaret Janssen Leon Kassab and Laura Reinsvold Class of 2004 Lexa Kern and Daniel Valentine Sam and Kay Kim Michael and Sherry Lakeman Kathy Liu - Class of 2000 The Long Family Shawn and Terri Lund William and Katherine Lynch Marathon Petroleum Pete and Cheryl Mayo Aaron McDonald - Class of 2018 The McNeal Family Dan and Sheri McWilliams Yousuf Mokhtar - Class of 2027 Jeff and Gretchan Moss Chris and Kerri Myers Stephanie Myers The Nair Family The Ochs Family Mike and Nancy Orton John and Judith Parker Arron Plosser Daniel and Holly Pritchard Thomas Richins - Class of 2013 Rebekkah Sappington and Matthew Detamore - Class of 2002 Gemma Saunders Ronda and Rudy Schultz Angie and Stephanie Scott Class of 2005 Duane and Marsha Sherrod Gregory and Kristen Stremel Jeff and Pam Thurman Drs. Gulshan Uppal and Natasha Kataria Luciano Villarinho and Vanessa Macedo The Volner Family The Wadell Family Rusty and Kelly Desmond Wright Class of 2000 The Younes Family

TJ Supporters Club ($1 - $99) Anonymous (29) Anonymous ('01,'03,'05,'09,'09) Anonymous ('20,'22,'23,'25,'27,'28,'29) Amanda Almich - Class of 2008

Jeff and Letitia Almich Victoria Baker - Class of 2013 Caitlin Barnett - Class of 2005 Alivia Beard - Class of 2022 Jeff and Paula Bohm Grayson Bruffett - Class of 2029 The Chambers Family Callie Cox - Class of 2005 Aaron and Rebecca Cutler-Metzger Dirk and Nikki Deaton Nathan DePratt - Class of 2005 Marisa Donica - Class of 2016 Jerome Eldridge Andrew and Laura Falls - Class of 2004 Carlie Fitzpatrick - Class of 2011 Jason and Stephanie Francis Tristan Garvin The Goepfert Family The Hicks Family Thomas and Jolene Inskeep Emily and Kyle Klepner - Class of 2004 Jason and Mariya Lichlyter Michil Macnaigh Dr. Michael Madden - Class of 2008 The Marrett Family Kristina Martin Jaden Moore - Class of 2020 The Moser Family Molly Moser - Class of 2025 The Naumann Family Brooklynn Norris Michelle Orton Beth Patterson - Class of 2020 Dr. Muhammad Qazi and Mrs. Sonia Khan Halley Riesenmy - Class of 2009 Arionna Rincker - Class of 2019 Elias Rincker - Class of 2022 Ursula Rincker Chris Rupar and Stacey Clay Liam Sexton - Class of 2026 Lindsey Showalter Kim and Jeff Shriver Kimmie and Wallace Sowder, Jr. Moriah and Brandon Stallings Class of 2017 Arnold and Patricia Terry Levi Vasquez - Class of 2016 Vizient Christopher Wheelen - Class of 2021 Johnny Wu The Yorke Family

2025-26 VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE Here are some highlights!

TJ Student Volunteers:

TJ Parent Volunteers:

• The entire TJ community rallied together to help support the

• P.E.P. (Parents Engaging Parents) representatives warmly

Salvation Army's need for more food during the holiday season. Led by our National Honor Society, students and families from every grade contributed to make a difference in our community.

• Several Upper Classmen bonded with Lower School students playing together before school and walking them to class when the time came.

• Faculty, students, and families joined forces to help the Salvation Army organize food donations for their food pantry.

• One motivated junior took the initiative to organize a student

group dedicated to serving meals at the Minnie Hackney Community Service Center on Saturday mornings multiple times throughout the year.

• Upper Classmen continued to serve as tutors and mentors to

younger students, and that reach grew even further with the launch of the Cavalier Study Center - a regular drop in tutoring opportunity for students.

• US Art students carried on a beloved annual tradition by decorating the windows of the Joplin Salvation Army store, bringing creativity and joy to the wider community.

welcomed and guided new families as they found their footing during their first year at TJ.

• Every Friday, dedicated volunteers served pizza to excited and hungry students.

• In Early Childhood and Lower School, parents organized and executed some great parties throughout the year!

• In Middle and Upper School, parents showed up with snacks

and encouragement for students powering through end of semester exams.

• Parents of TJ athletes helped our seasons run smoothly by helping with everything from popping popcorn to running buzzers and everything in between!

• Escapade wouldn't be Escapade without our amazing parent

volunteers, who helped secure donations, handle logistics, iron linens, spread the word, clean up, and so much more!

• Both the Parent Association and the Athletic Boosters

continue to be a cornerstone of our community, generously giving their time and talents year after year.

• Several US athletic teams incorporated their community spirit

to the field and court, raising money and awareness for issues and organizations close to their hearts.

• US athletes helped with the LS Sports Clinics all year,

introducing younger students to the fundamentals of various sports and helping them build skills and confidence along the way.

• Beyond these organized group efforts, individual students

continued to give back in countless ways - volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, assisting in their religious communities, walking dogs, helping neighbors, and simply responding to the needs they saw around them.

C avaliers THOMAS

JEFFERSON

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 25

Photo taken from the 2025-2026 Annual Giving Campaign "Your Gift. Their Future. Our Story."

TJ's 2026-2027 Annual Giving Campaign Team TJ: Undefeated Together!

homas Jefferson Independent Day School’s Annual Giving campaign is your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children. Each student has a unique story, and your gift supports all of them by enriching the educational program and strengthening the foundation upon which their future is built. Every year, we witness hundreds of stories of mastery in the classroom, victory on the athletic fields, and triumph on the stage. These stories are possible because of you. TJ needs everyone’s support to continue offering the best education possible, and to attract and retain the excellent teachers who inspire our children every day. The entire TJ community benefits when you participate. Please consider supporting the children at Thomas Jefferson by making a tax-deductible gift to the Annual Giving Campaign today. By participating, you will make a difference in the lives of our community’s most precious and promising resource.

Make a gift online today by visiting tjeffschool.org/giving or by scanning the QR code below. For more information, please email our Director of Development & Alumni Engagement, Lauden Baker, at Lbaker@tjeffschool.org.

26 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026

2025-26 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Debra Humphreys

John Sweeny

Chairman Emeritus

Chairman & President

Jill Brennan

Mike Shifferd

Vice Chairman & Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Alison Hershewe

David Humphreys

Sae Ri Ro

Dr. Michael McDonald

Jana Smith

Garry Hallman

Allen Trimble

Alex Schwartz ('05)

Head of School Ex-Officio

Chris Freeborg

Assistant Secretary

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.

TJ Annual Report 2025-2026 27

3401 East Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801 417.781.5124 www.tjeffschool.org 28 TJ Annual Report 2025-2026