DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS 2014

WILLIAM "BILL" CAIRNS

William “Bill” Cairns is a 1962 graduate of Perryville High School. He was nominated as a Distinguished Alumnus for his volunteer work with the PHS Booster Club, the predecessor of the Alumni Association. Bill served as an officer of the Booster Club for more than 15 years, helping to organize the homecoming parade, booster dance, and even arranging transportation to the away sporting events.

Bill retired in 2008 from the Knights of Columbus Bowling Center, where he served 17 years as manager. He has also served the community and school as a sportswriter for 31 years for The Republic-Monitor. He was a sports announcer for KSGM radio for 21 years. He previously owned Perryville Ice Co. and was a leadman at Gilster Mary-Lee for 18 years.

Bill has previously been honored by District 32 with the Apple Award. He’s been named an Outstanding Jaycee, and his family has been named the K of C Family of the Year.

He and his wife of 51 years, Linda (Terbrak), have 5 daughters — Rhonda Cairns, Tina Mueller, Cheryl Stueve, Debbie Wehmeyer and Jennifer Hudson. They have 9 grandchildren — Gary, Caleb, Cameron, Niklas, Kimberly, Stefani, Ericha, Hope and Alaina, and a great-grandson, Rhys. He is the son of the late Hosea and Bertha (Buehler) Cairns.

Bill belongs to Christ the Savior Catholic Church in Brewer, where he has served as parish council president, lector and Eucharistic minister. He served as the K of C state recorder for 12 years, and serves on the K of C State Bowling Association.

TERRY EDWARDS

Terry Edwards is a 1972 graduate of Perryville High School. He was nominated as a Distinguished Alumnus for his work with music students at PHS and his volunteer work in the community.

Terry retired in May from Perry County School District 32, where he worked for 31 years as the middle and high school choral director. Terry previously taught at St. Vincent High School and in the St. Joseph, Mo., school district. He holds an associate of arts degree with emphasis in music from Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff and a bachelor of music education degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

He is a member of National Association of Music Educators and Missouri Music Educators Association, and has held various elected positions with Southeast Missouri Music Educators. He is a past recipient of the KFVS Heartland Teacher of the Year Award. When he first joined District 32, the high school had two choirs and the middle school had one. Today, PHS has four choral ensembles of which the Chamber Choir has received the highest ratings allowed at Missouri State Contests for the past 14 years.

Terry and his wife of 35 years, Jane have 4 children, all of whom are graduates of PHS: Jacob, a professional musician who lives with his wife Stephanie in Nashville; Paul, a graduate student living in New York City; Leah, who works for the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation in Boston; and Luke, a sophomore at Truman State University. Terry is the son of Glen and Betty Edwards and son-in-law of George and Ruth Graham of Perryville.

STEVE LEIDHOLDT

Steve Leidholdt is a 1979 graduate of Perryville High School. He is president, CEO and founder of STL Communications, one of the top technology firms in the midwest. He was nominated for his support of District 32 by providing substantially reduced rates for telephone services, along with free technical support and materials. He also provides support to the association through donations like this summer’s Cardinals ticket raffle.

While at PHS, Steve was active as President of the Vocational Club (VICA), Student Council Vice President and was awarded the Danforth Foundation “I Dare You” award. After graduation from PHS, Steve attended Central Missouri State University and Lindenwood University.

He and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 9 years. His son, Joshua Leidholdt, is 23. Steve is the son of Rev. James Leidholdt and Harriet Leidholdt. He attended elementary school at Farrar, where his father was the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church.

Steve is a member of the Motorola Partner Advisory Council (PAC) and Avaya SME Partner Council. He is also a past committee chair, board member, vice president and president of the North American Association of Telecommunications Dealers (NATD). He is a board member for several St. Louis-area banks.

Steve and Sandy attend St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville and support various charitable organizations including Sunshine Ministries and George the Shoeman Water Project.