The Moberly Public Schools Foundation each fall recognizes outstanding alumni and retired educators whose achievements and service have inspired others. We have interviews with four of this year’s honorees below.
Distinguished Retired Teachers
Virginia Ehrhardt
Virginia Ehrhardt devoted 31 years to Moberly Public Schools, where she taught multiple grades, created the EAGLES program for gifted students, and served as Literacy Coordinator. She also taught at the University of Missouri and Moberly Area Community College, while mentoring countless teachers. Known for her patience, generosity, and strong faith, Virginia touched the lives of students, colleagues, and friends alike. Above all, she cherished her family, who fondly remember her as the “Grand” in Grandma and the “Great” in Great Grandma. She passed away on February 13, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, learning, and service.
Denise Rowan
Denise Rowan, a Chariton, Iowa native, fulfilled her lifelong dream of teaching after graduating from William Penn University in 1995. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University in 2004. Denise devoted 29 years to teaching kindergarten in Moberly Public Schools, retiring in 2025. Outside the classroom, she shares her passion for service through volunteer work with her two certified therapy dogs, Sadie and Allie, visiting schools, libraries, and care facilities across the community. Denise continues to substitute teach and cherishes the lifelong connections she has built with her students, colleagues, family, and friends.
Tara Link
Tara Link has dedicated over 30 years to the Moberly School District, beginning as a middle school science teacher before becoming a K–2 Title I Reading Interventionist. She launched and led the district’s new teacher induction program for 17 years, mentoring more than 2,000 educators and advancing technology integration and professional learning. Beyond Moberly, Tara has presented at state and national conferences, been featured in educational publications, and recently authored a book. She continues to support teachers through her consulting work while cherishing her roles as wife, mother, and proud Spartan alumna.
Distinguished Alumni
Della Cochran
Della Cochran has dedicated her life to education and community service. A graduate of Moberly High School and Truman State University, she earned her master’s in Elementary Administration from William Woods University and certifications in both teaching and gifted education. Over her career, Della taught elementary and gifted students in several Missouri districts, led curriculum development, and mentored colleagues. Beyond the classroom, she has been an active leader in her community, serving as president of organizations such as the Moberly Spartan Booster Club and Moberly Area Council of the Arts, while also volunteering through her church and civic groups. Through her teaching, leadership, and service, Della has positively impacted generations of students and the broader Moberly community.
Steve Gaw
Steve Gaw, a Moberly native and 1975 Spartan graduate, has dedicated his career to public service and energy policy. After earning degrees in Physics from Truman State University and Law from the University of Missouri, he practiced law locally before being elected State Representative in 1992. He served four terms, including three as Speaker of the Missouri House, where he championed education, consumer protections, and infrastructure improvements such as the expansion of Highway 63 and MACC’s regional presence. Later, he served on and chaired the Missouri Public Service Commission, helping to establish key regional energy organizations. Today, Steve is Senior Vice President of Markets and Infrastructure for the Advanced Power Alliance and continues to advocate for clean energy while enjoying life on his farm in Callaway County with his wife, Fannie, and their daughter, Skylar.
James M. Cooksey
Jim Cooksey, a lifelong Moberly resident, is a graduate of William Jewell College and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He served as a Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit for over 25 years and has held leadership roles in civic, professional, and community organizations, including the Moberly Rotary Club, Randolph County Bar Association, and Boy Scouts. Since 2010, he has served on the Moberly Area Community College Board of Trustees, becoming board president in 2017, and in 2021 he was elected National Chair of the Association of Community College Trustees. He and his late wife, Sherry, were married 38 years and have two children, Garreth and Shaylyn.
