HERMANN – Perhaps the most familiar face in town belongs to this year’s recipient of the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Volunteer Award.

Thinking he was simply attending the Chamber Awards Banquet Feb. 16 as a guest of Gasconade County R-1 Superintendent Geoff Neill and others from the district, Robbie Schwartz soon found himself receiving a rousing round of applause – indeed, the loudest standing ovation outpouring of support for any of the award recipients – after being named the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Volunteer Award.

The school district is among the many organizations for which Schwartz volunteers his time. He is observed providing whatever help he can at the campus during a variety of events, as noted by Neill during the superintendent’s formal presentation of the award.

“He helps the school, the community, whomever,” Neill said.

Other award winners ranged from a high school student to small business owners to a farm family for its contributions to the local agriculture industry. The awards were presented at the biennial Gerald Engemann Memorial Award Banquet, held Feb. 17 at Hermann Hill Conference Center on Highway 100 East.

A large crowd of Chamber members and guests turned out for the event, which also included a detailed account of activities taking place within the local business community since the 2024 Awards Banquet. (See related story.)

Here are the 2026 award winners:

• Distinguished Youth Award: Hermann High School senior Taylor Lauer was recognized by the superintendent for her involvement in a variety of school organizations, from FCCLA to the HHS Drama Club, the high school band and other groups, as well as her service to the community.

• Distinguished Educator Awards: Diane Shoemaker, a Hermann High School math teacher, was presented the with the award by Neill. Shoemaker was one of two Hermann-area educators cited for their contributions. A second Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Gina Crabtree. The longtime third-grade instructor at St. George Catholic School was presented the award by Principal Amy Schebaum, who noted that during Crabtree’s tenure as an instructor, she has taught 596 third graders, making the students feel “seen and valued.”

• Distinguished Agriculture Award: Ernst and Adam Utulaut of Bear Valley Farm were presented the honor by Chamber Member and MFA Co-op official Curt Bruckerhoff. This award is presented to an individual or family who has been in the agriculture or animal farming business for a period of time, who has made significant contributions to the Hermann farming community and/or their neighbors.

• Distinguished Volunteer Award: Robbie Schwartz was presented with the Distinguished Volunteer Award by the R-1 superintendent. In addition to his volunteer service to a variety of organizations and events, Schwartz is listed in the R-1 directory as a member of custodial staff.

• Distinguished Kay Schwenke Hospitality Award: Entrepreneurs Steve and Lisa Vollmer were jointly named the winners of the Chamber’s Schwenke Hospitality Award. This distinguished award is named after longtime Hermann ambassador Kay Schwenke who worked to help develop the community’s tourism industry. Because of illness, Schwenke was unable to attend the banquet. This award is presented to a Hemann-area individual – and in this case, a couple – who has shown exemplary hospitality in a role, making visitors’ and guests’ experience in Hermann so great they come back. The Vollmers are involved in several Downtown Hermann businesses and after visiting the community, decided to relocate here from O’Fallon, Ill. The award was presented by Raylene Hollrah, vice president of the Hermann Regional Economic Development (HRED) Corporation.

• Distinguished Front Line Hero Award: Hermann Area District Hospital (HADH) Board President Dale Ridder presented this award to HADH Administrator Bill Hellebusch for the leadership he has shown at the community-owned hospital during his brief tenure as chief executive officer.

“Sometimes, hometown heroes have always been among us. Sometimes, they show up when it’s important the most,” Ridder said.

Hellebusch has assembled a leadership team at HADH, making large strides in turning around the fortunes of the healthcare facility, focusing on the the services it provides best and working to expand services to increase patient care for residents of the region. The award is presented to an individual who has performed on the front lines of medical or emergency response and has significantly contributed to the safety and health of the community. Ridder noted the role Hellebusch played in two major situations at the hospital in the past year – the mass-casualty event in May 2025 in which 40 passengers of a trolley that crashed on Highway 100 West were treated, released or transferred within a short period of time and the later flash flood that damaged the Southwest Medical Associates Clinic in the Bavarian Hills Plaza that forced hospital officials to scramble to provide services back at the hospital. “Through both these events, Bill’s leadership was evident,” Ridder said.

• Distinguished Small Business Award: Chamber Board President Colleen Murphy presented this award to the couple of Mike and Chad Walton for their entrepreneurship in developing a Bed & Breakfast operation, the Old Vine Kitchen Emporium and Chapter 3 bookstore. The award is presented to an individual, family or business who has been in operation for a period of time and whose business activity has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Hermann community.