Linda Ann Crooks along with the three other 2017 Distinguished Alumni, Paul Costello, George (Jack) McCausland, and Don Gibson will be honored at the NCMC Foundation Celebration on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ketcham Community Center.
Lead Gift Contributor, Nanette Carter, and the 2016-2017 Scholarship Recipients will also be honored at the event. Reservations can be made by contacting the NCMC Development Office at 359-3948, ext. 1415 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Linda Ann Crooks, 1969 graduate of Trenton Junior College (TJC) with an AA transfer degree, was part of the original class to attend the “new” TJC with its lone building on campus, Geyer Hall.
“Linda was one of a few dedicated, energized, and involved students that established traditions, activities, successes, and history for these many years to follow on the now much-expanded campus and in academic programs,” said Phyllis Bendure, NCMC Foundation Board member. She continued, “And now, to the great fortune of the town of Trenton and NCMC, Linda has returned to Trenton with her high energy, positive contributions, delightful exuberance, and determined involvement in the life of Trenton and NCMC.”
From TJC, Linda transferred to Central Missouri State University as a Physical Education major, acquiring her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971 and Masters of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1978. While attending CMSU, Linda was a varsity player two years in field hockey, basketball, and softball.
Some of Linda’s varied career experiences includes: Adjunct Professor, University of Texas, El Paso, Kinesiology Department; Coach/teacher, Burnham Wood Charter School District, El Paso, TX; Elementary Physical Education Teacher, El Paso I School District; Physical Education Coordinator, Director of Summer Recreation ; Health Education Advisor; Instructor, Dona Ana Community College; Elementary Physical Education Coordinator; Middle School Physical Education Teacher/Coach, all at Gadsden Independent School District in Anthony, NM; Elementary Physical Education Teacher and high school Physical Education Teacher/Coach, Excelsior Springs School District, MO.
Professional accomplishments include the following: National Physical Best Certification in 2008; Pathways to Borderland Fitness Team, El Paso, TX; Representative Southern AAHPERD, Texas Delegate; Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator, El Paso TX; Professional Achievement Award, Gadsden School District, Anthony, NM; Council for Distinguished Leadership Award, NASPE; New Mexico Teacher of the Year Award Finalist; National Girls and Women in Sports Pathfinder Award; Anthony, NM Outstanding Service Award; Strategies Journal Editorial Board; Strategies Journal Cover Photos; Published in Strategies Journal; Published and photos in Teaching Elementary Physical Education Journal; Published in Journal of Health, Physical Education, and Dance; Dona Ana County Summer Recreation Grant Award; Paso Del Norte Foundation STEP IT UP Grant Award; Race for the Cure Team Coordinator; and El Paso District Physical Education Curriculum Development.
Upon retirement from her rewarding forty-four-year career in education, Linda made a bold and decisive movement in her life choices when she felt her head and heart being pulled to return to her hometown of Trenton, MO. Without looking back, she came home with an open heart and arms to embrace all she could do to immerse and embrace her life in Trenton. Becoming a volunteer was her primary focus to improve life in her hometown. Immediately, she moved to her beloved Riverside County Club area to play golf and assist in directing the course and membership involvement for the Country Club, where she plays daily and is an advocate for the Club. Additionally, she found her calling by helping with the Wacky Wednesday Children’s program and summer on-site camp at Hodge Presbyterian Church. Mostly, North Central Missouri College became the recipient of her energies as she became an avid supporter of campus activities, primarily the sports teams, especially the Lady Pirates/Pirates Basketball, the NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament and Holiday Hoops.
“We are blessed to have Linda Ann Crooks home, where we are all beneficiaries of her enthusiasm, energy, and heart,” says Phyllis Bendure.
“We are happy to honor Linda Crooks at our NCMC Foundation Celebration as she is very deserving of this recognition. She is a wonderful example of a student who began their higher education at Trenton Junior College (now North Central Missouri College) and went on to accomplish great achievements in her professional career,” said Teresa J. Cross, NCMC Foundation Director.
