STE. GENEVIEVE R-II SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Ste. Genevieve County R-II is excited to announce that at a Ste. Genevieve High School assembly on Friday, March 14, three community members were honored as recent Hall of Fame inductees. Coach Dennis Drumm and Dr. Clint Wolk were both recognized as new members of the Hall of Fame, and Coach Brian Jett was honored with the Hall of Fame Dragon Award. Their families, friends, colleagues, student athletes, and more were in attendance to celebrate their achievements and share congratulations. 

The Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize and honor outstanding citizens who have led distinguished lives and who will serve as positive role models for all present and future students of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. The Hall of Fame Committee was recently re-established to continue this tradition. To be considered, Hall of Fame nominees must have graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School at least 15 years ago and demonstrate leadership, character, achievement, service, and suitability. Dragon Award nominees must meet the same criteria, with the exception that they did not graduate from Ste. Genevieve High School.

During the assembly, students in the Principal’s Advisory Group presented each inductee with a handcrafted plaque from the Industrial Technology Department, as well as a personalized pullover, cup, and pen made by the Marketing Productions class. Additionally, all three were presented with a custom pair of Chuck Taylor Converse All-Star shoes, which they put on during the ceremony as a symbolic gesture of their induction into the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame.

“Mr. Dennis Drumm, Mr. Brian Jett, and Dr. Clint Wolk have all dedicated themselves to excellence, and we have the privilege of honoring these three remarkable individuals,” SGHS Principal Dr. John Boyd said. “They have left a lasting mark on their professions, on their communities, and on the lives of others. By recognizing them today, we not only celebrate their achievements—we inspire all of you to believe that your own hard work, dedication, and character will be recognized in the future.”

Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame

COACH DENNIS DRUMM, ‘72

Coach Dennis Drumm, a 1972 alumnus of Ste. Genevieve High School, has exemplified leadership, character, achievement, service, and role model suitability throughout his distinguished 32-year career in education and coaching. His dedication to athletics and his community has left an enduring legacy.

Leadership

From the very start of his coaching journey in 1970, Coach Drumm displayed remarkable leadership by volunteering with the Ste. Genevieve Gym Hockey League and the Ste. Gen Yanks men’s baseball team. These formative experiences set the foundation for a lifetime of guiding and inspiring others. After earning his degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), he officially began his career in coaching high school sports, dedicating himself to teaching, mentoring, and leading by example. His leadership extended beyond coaching to include a role as athletic director, where he oversaw programs that positively impacted countless student-athletes. Even after retirement, Coach Drumm continues to demonstrate leadership within the Ste. Genevieve volleyball community by officiating and coaching United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) events and supporting the high school program.

Character

Coach Drumm’s emphasis on character development has been a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. Through decades of teaching and coaching, he instilled in his students and athletes the values of respect, teamwork, hard work, and sportsmanship. He encouraged humility in victory and grace in defeat, leaving a lasting impression on the young people under his guidance.

Achievement

Coach Drumm’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. His individual honors include multiple Coach of the Year titles in volleyball, basketball, and baseball, spanning decades of success. In 2013, he was awarded the Peggy Johnson Award by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association, recognizing his exceptional contribution to promoting volleyball in the state. In 2023, his impact on the sport was further solidified with his induction into the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

His teams achieved remarkable success as well, with numerous conference championships, district titles, and state-level accomplishments in volleyball, girls’ basketball, and baseball. His career coaching record stands at an impressive 864-632-44, with volleyball being his longest-tenured sport. Even in retirement, he added to his achievements by coaching USVBA teams for seven additional years, earning further accolades.

Service

Coach Drumm has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving his community through various organizations, including the Sons of the American Legion, the Ste. Genevieve Catholic Parish Board, the Knights of Columbus, and the Ste. Genevieve Elks. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association, the National Federation of State High School Associations, and the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. His dedication to these organizations highlights his passion for service and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

Role Model Suitability

Coach Drumm has consistently modeled the importance of sportsmanship, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. His ability to set high goals and inspire others to achieve them has made him a guiding figure for both his students and colleagues. Today, Coach Drumm continues to be a vital part of the Ste. Genevieve community, promoting volleyball and serving as an inspirational figure to all who know him. Married to his wife Linda for 47 years, he is the proud father of two successful daughters.

Coach Drumm credits much of his success to the mentors and support he received within the Ste. Genevieve school system. Influential figures such as Joe Shirey, Vernon Huck, and Mike Sherry helped shape his passion for sports and coaching. Peggy Johnson, his first mentor in volleyball, played a pivotal role in his journey, and receiving the Peggy Johnson Award remains one of his proudest accomplishments.

DR. CLINT WOLK, ‘00

Dr. Clint Wolk, a 2000 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School, exemplifies leadership, character, achievement, service, and role model suitability in his professional and personal endeavors. As a three-time state wrestling champion, salutatorian of his graduating class, and a committed community leader, Dr. Wolk has left an indelible mark on his alma mater and hometown.

Leadership

While at SGHS, Dr. Wolk’s leadership was evident as captain of both the varsity football and wrestling teams. These experiences set the stage for a life dedicated to guiding others. After graduating, he continued his leadership journey by serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board and the First State Community Bank Board. In 2024, his contributions to mentoring and coaching local youth were celebrated when he was awarded the Presidential Leader Award at the Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Anniversary Gala. His ability to inspire, organize, and lead others has made a lasting impact on his community.

Character

Dr. Wolk is known for his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his community. His drive to positively impact the lives of Ste. Genevieve youth is evident in everything he does. Organized and detail-oriented, he approaches his responsibilities with a level of care and diligence that inspires those around him.

Achievement

Dr. Wolk’s achievements in both academics and athletics are exceptional. As the only wrestler in SGHS history to win three state championships, he demonstrated unparalleled determination and discipline in an individual sport. Remarkably, he achieved this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and graduating as salutatorian of his class. After SGHS, he earned his doctorate in optometry from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) in 2007, furthering his commitment to excellence in his chosen field.

Service

After completing his studies, Dr. Wolk returned to Ste. Genevieve to provide optometric care through his practice, Ste. Genevieve Vision Care. Beyond his professional contributions, he has made a profound impact through his volunteer work. Since 2013, he has coached youth sports—including football, baseball, softball, and wrestling—for 11 months out of the year. In 2019, he founded the Ste. Gen Vision League, a five-week community youth wrestling program designed to introduce children to the sport in a shorter, less demanding format. The program has grown from 80 participants in its first year to 140 in 2023, including boys and girls. His ability to remember every participant’s name, weight, and wrestling style, demonstrates his remarkable dedication to the program and the young athletes it serves.

Role Model Suitability

Dr. Wolk’s passion for mentoring youth goes beyond teaching them how to play a sport. He instills values such as self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, and responsibility, all while earning the trust of those he coaches. His dedication to shaping respectful, driven leaders has touched countless lives in the Ste. Genevieve community. Coaching four different sports has provided him with opportunities to connect with a wide range of young people, fostering a culture of hard work and respect that will have a lasting influence.

His deep love for Ste. Genevieve and its success is evident in every aspect of his work and volunteerism. Through his leadership, character, and service, he has made an enduring contribution to his community.

Ste. Genevieve High School Dragons of Honor Award

COACH BRIAN JETT

Coach Brian Jett’s leadership, character, and dedication have left an indelible legacy at Ste. Genevieve High School. As the first recipient of the Hall of Fame Dragon Award, his contributions as a coach, mentor, and advocate for students epitomize what it means to inspire and support young people both in and out of the classroom.

Leadership

In 1995, Coach Jett launched the Ste. Genevieve cross country program with a bold vision and a selfless spirit, volunteering his time to ensure its success. Despite not receiving compensation, he poured his energy into early mornings and late afternoons, driven by his belief in the potential of every student. He implemented a rigorous program that included 6 a.m. practices, summer running camps in West Plains, and a high-mileage philosophy that pushed athletes beyond their limits. Even during the “off-season,” Coach Jett remained a steadfast source of encouragement and guidance, fostering a culture of resilience and determination.

Character

Coach Jett’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing his students’ well-being stands as a testament to his integrity and courage. At one time, district policies posed challenges to meeting the dietary needs of his runners, and Coach Jett quietly took action to ensure they had the resources required to perform and thrive. His steadfast dedication to doing what was right, even in the face of potential consequences, earned him the enduring trust and respect of his athletes. Many of those he mentored continue to stay connected with him today, a reflection of the profound and lasting impact he had on their lives.

Achievement

Coach Jett’s accolades include being a seven-time Missouri Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Coach of the Year and the National Federation High School Coaches Association Sectional Coach of the Year. His contributions were recognized on Sept. 17, 2024, when he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

His coaching record is nothing short of remarkable. His teams earned a total of seven state titles, including six in girls’ cross country and one in girls’ track. His boys’ cross country and track teams also secured numerous accolades, including two Final Four finishes in cross country and a state runner-up finish in boys’ track. His athletes consistently achieved success at the highest levels, with 158 earning All-State honors under his guidance—56 in cross country and 102 in track and field. Beyond the high school level, Coach Jett mentored athletes who went on to earn college scholarships, including a former All-American now representing Puma professionally.

Service

For over two decades, Coach Jett dedicated himself to the Ste. Genevieve community, creating not just successful teams but a sense of family among his athletes. His influence extended far beyond competition; he helped students find purpose, stay in school, and develop life skills that transcended the sport. As a parent once shared, “You saved my boys and kept them in school.” Coach Jett’s commitment to the personal and athletic growth of his students was transformative, fostering a lifelong bond between coach and athlete.

Role Model Suitability

Coach Jett’s passion for coaching extended beyond results on the track. He taught his athletes to take responsibility, push their limits, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life. His selfless leadership and belief in his students created an environment where young people felt supported, empowered, and motivated to succeed. He modeled the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion, becoming a beacon of inspiration for his athletes and the larger community. Coach Jett’s legacy lies in the lives he touched and the community he built. As a coach, mentor, and advocate, he set the standard for what it means to lead with heart, passion, and soul.

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About the Ste. Genevieve County R-II Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to recognize and honor outstanding citizens who have led distinguished lives and who will serve as positive role models for all present and future students of the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District. Hall of Fame nominees must have: graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School at least 15 years prior to being nominated, and their nomination must be based upon following qualifications: Leadership, Character, Achievement, Service, and Suitability as a Role Model to Students.

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About the Ste. Genevieve High School Dragons of Honor Award