Evans Middle School hosted several community speakers on Thursday, February 27 as part of Black History Month. Seventh grade students heard the presenters during their social studies class. Speakers and their biographies include:
Mr. Jeff Hendred
Jeff Hendred is a well known and respected elementary school principal in Ottumwa. He is a native of Ottumwa and a 1975 graduate of OHS who has returned to his community to give his life away. He and his wife, Sandra, are the owners of Polar Xpress and are very pleased to be part of the effort to bring business back to the downtown area. He is active in the community as he works through Wilson Elementary School, his church, Hickory Grove Community Church, and with other organizations to make Ottumwa a beacon in southeast Iowa.
Mr. Jamarco Clark
Jamarco Clark is the Director of Student Life at Indian Hills Community College. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Jamarco came to Iowa in 2010 to pursue his education and play football at Iowa Wesleyan College. Jamarco holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Foundations from Iowa Wesleyan, Master of Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University, and is currently completing a doctorate in education with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. In addition to his work at Indian Hills, Jamarco serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Wapello County and the African American Museum of Iowa.
Mrs. Geraldine Winston
Geraldine Winston was born and raised in the Quad Cities area. Her father abandoned the family, leaving her mother to raise her and her three siblings. Geraldine moved to Ottumwa with her mother, attending school from 3rd grade – high school in Ottumwa. She married Byron Winston and raised her three children in Ottumwa. She wanted to work helping people and worked in the medical profession. Geraldine believes in hard work as evidenced by the home they built on Jay Street, and the apartments on Elm Street and later on Jefferson.
Mr. James King
James King, was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Growing up it was hard not to find James on the golf course. His family are avid golfers, but James’ passion extends to all sports. Whether it be a college football bowl game or Australian rugby, you can find him on the sideline or glued to his seat.
In the spring of 2018, he graduated from the Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in Media Production and Analysis in three years. During his time at OSU he worked as the sports director of LTV, the college television station. James joined KTVO in October 2018 and has covered sports across southeast Iowa continuing to gain the skills necessary to bring you the best sporting news.
Mirabel Elume
Mirabel was born and raised in Cameroon Africa. A successful businesswoman in Cameroon, she brought her skills to American where she established Belle Muse Boutique on 412 E. Main Street in Ottumwa. She is the proud mother of her son, Aaron Azefor, a freshman in the Ottumwa High School and advocate for youth being respectful and productive community members.