People Magazine names Joplin Schools Superintendent C. J. Huff one of its five heroes of the year

Joplin R-8 Superintendent C. J. Huff, who made the vow shortly after the May 22 tornado that school would open on time less than three months later and followed through on that promise, has been named one of the five heroes of the year by People Magazine.

Huff will receive $10,000, which will go to a local entity. No announcement has been made yet of which specific organization will receive the money.

The remarkable feat of opening the schools on time after the tornado devastated more than one third of the city came despite more than half of the school buildings being destroyed or heavily damaged.

The Bright Futures initiative started by Huff and Joplin Schools months before the tornado became the hub of activity after the tornado, not just for the schools but for the entire Joplin community.

In the accompanying video, Huff talks to returning teachers August 15 about how Joplin Schools bounced back after May 22.