The Festus R-6 School District recently named Bob Hollmann – a retired teacher, coach and administrator in the district for 34 years – as the winner of its inaugural Distinguished Service Award.
“The motivation behind the establishment of the Distinguished Service Award is to recognize employees who merit consideration for the Festus R-6 Hall of Fame if not for the fact that they are not alumni of the Festus R-6 School District,” Superintendent Nicki Ruess said. “However, the award is open to both alumni and non-alumni.”
She said Hollmann, who worked for Festus R-6 from 1966 to 2000, deserves the recognition.
“This prestigious award recognizes Mr. Hollmann’s extraordinary contributions as a dedicated coach, mentor and administrator throughout his tenure in the Festus R-6 School District,” Ruess said. “He had left a mark on the community with his dedication and service to our school.”
The Festus R-6 Hall of Fame Committee chose Hollmann out of three nominations for the award, said Kevin Pope, the district’s coordinator of communications and special projects.
“We put out a call for nominations in January,” Pope said. “The Hall of Fame Committee was looking for a way to honor faculty and staff. They developed the Distinguished Service Award.”
Hollmann, 81, said he appreciates the recognition.
“I feel very honored about it,” he said. “It caught me by surprise. I spent my entire career working in the district. I’m very humbled they even thought about me.”
Hollmann joined the school district in 1966 as a middle school physical education teacher and an assistant varsity football coach. In 1969, he became the Tiger program’s eighth- and ninth-grade football coach. He became the Festus High varsity football coach in 1979 (moving to the high school to teach) and in 15 years at the helm of the program, compiled a record of 132-39 for a .771 winning percentage. His Tiger football coaching legacy includes three state final four appearances.
He served as the Festus R-6 athletic director from 1993-1994, becoming its athletic-activities director from 1995 until his retirement.
Hollmann earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He is a Fredericktown High School graduate.
Hollmann and his wife, Dinah, live in Barnhart. They have three daughters.
He said he enjoys retirement.
“I spend my time playing golf,” Hollmann said. “My wife and I do a lot of traveling.”
To be considered for the Distinguished Service Award, candidates must have at least 15 years of service to the Festus R-6 School District; be a former employee of the district for at least one year; have made significant contributions to student success; have been involved outside of school hours in some capacity.
The district recognized Hollmann before faculty and staff during its “Back to School” convocation on Aug. 17, and he will ride in a car as part of the Festus R-6 Homecoming Parade on Oct. 6.