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Thirty under 30

Cover story

April 8, 2004 | 12:00 a.m. CST


The strength of Columbia’s youth promises a bright future. Vox found 30 shining examples younger than 30 who stand out from the throngs of Generations X and Y dominating this town. Some were born here, and some are transplants. Some are business professionals, and some are still in high school. They’re people who are doing great things now and who show the potential to do even greater things in the future. You can say you knew them first.


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Billy Schuh (Photo by Liz Martin)

Musically suited

Who: Billy Schuh, 27

What he does: Billy and his band, the foundry, are responsible for some of the tastiest indie rock nuggets to grace the Columbia music scene. Originally the band was just Billy and drummer Benjamin Hook, Billy says. In late 2002, Daniel Stegall and Becky Baxter had just left The Kingdom Flying Club, so Billy snagged them to form the foundry. In October 2003 billy schuh and the foundry ... released their first EP, Fathers as Robots.

Why we care: Billy is also co-founder of Emergency Umbrella Records, which

promotes independent musicians in Columbia and has released four albums for local bands such as The Doxies and The Kingdom Flying Club. Two more are in the works.

In the future: “Nobody’s going to knock on your door and give you a million dollars,” says Billy. “For now we’re just going to take it slow.” Billy will be opening solo for Trebuchet and Paradise Vending, two other bands on Emergency Umbrella, at their record release party on April 16 at Mojo’s.

The last word: “Originally I was a little apprehensive about releasing the music.

The music is really personal.”

— J.G.


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Leah Swaney (Photo by Liz Martin)

Grin giver

Who: Leah Swaney, 17

What she does: Leah, a senior at Rock Bridge High School, is co-president of Rock Bridge Reaches Out, a community-service organization that volunteers for Columbia Manor, Habitat for Humanity, the Central Missouri Food Bank and the Ronald McDonald House. She is also on the board of directors of the Voluntary Action Center and a seasoned violinist in the Rock Bridge String Orchestra. Last year, after reading an article about Latino health care, Leah decided to raise awareness about dental hygiene.

Why we care: She organized a free dental clinic on Feb. 15, 2003, at Centro Latino, Business Loop 70 West, which is a community center for the empowerment of Latinos. Approximately 40 people attended the clinic.

In the future: This year Leah plans to create a hygiene pamphlet and distribute it to Columbia’s Parents As Teachers group and the Boone County Health Department. Leah wants to promote public health on an international level. She has considered working for AIDS prevention or treatment in Africa or Russia, but she’s also interested in Europe’s changing demographic with the influx of Muslims.

The last word: “It’s important to be creative and interested in what you do. You can either do what other people have already done, or you can do your own thing. You can make your own niche.” — S.L.


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Brad Smith (Photo by Lauren Kling)

Gridiron guru

Who: Brad Smith, 20

What he does: Brad is the quarterback for the Missouri Tigers football team.

Why we care: His freshman year he became only the second player in NCAA

history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 2,000 yards passing in a season. Last season, as a sophomore, Brad was ranked as a Heisman hopeful in an ESPN poll for part of the season. Against Texas Tech on Oct. 25, 2003, he scored five touchdowns and broke the school record. The team was 6-0 at Faurot Field, where Brad helped the Tigers beat Nebraska for the first time since 1978. Brad eventually led the Tigers to an 8-5 record and a berth in the Independence Bowl in 2003. It was MU’s first bowl game and first winning season since 1998.

In the future: Besides being a leading preseason Heisman candidate, Brad is majoring in marketing and wants to start his own business someday. First, however, he wants to play professional football in the NFL.

The last word: “I think I’ve always wanted to play professional ball since I was a little kid. It’s just always been a dream of mine.”

— J.G.


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Peter Linsenmeyer (Photo by Liz Martin)

Active advocate

Who: Peter Linsenmeyer, 25

What he does: Peter is active with the School of Americas Watch, Columbia Community Study Circles, MU Peace Studies, Global Action to Prevent War and Interacteen, yet he still has time to hold a full-time job as a youth care worker. Peter’s passionate involvement includes trips to Columbus, Ga., for SOA Watch’s annual gathering outside Fort Benning. The group of more than 10,000 activists protests the teachings of the School of Americas, now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, whose graduates have been connected to numerous massacres in Latin America. In 2002 Peter built a yurt as part of an organized farming internship; for several months he lived 20 miles outside Columbia off the city’s electrical grid in this Mongolian nomadic structure and followed, as Peter says, a lifestyle that treads lightly on the earth.

Why we care: Lately, Peter has been dedicating his time to Interacteen, a group of five high school students he co-leads with Mark Kelty. The group is preparing for its interactive performance, Blue Lunch Box, in which they will present oppressive situations with ideas of conflict prevention and resolution. The performances will run May 11 through Aug. 6.

In the future: Within the next few years Peter would like to live with his wife, Jacki, and son, Charlie, off the grid in New Mexico. He would also like to follow up his MU sociology degree with a master’s degree.

The last word: “We need to take a proactive role in community decision making and move to a society of positive peace, not a society with 2000 nuclear weapons on

hair-trigger alert.”

— L.H.


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Sabrina Braden and Channing Kennedy (Photo by Liz Martin)

Maude squad

Who: Sabrina Braden, 26 and Channing Kennedy, 23

What they do: They co-own Maude Vintage, and Channing is the CEO of the Columbia record label Cat Jams Records.

Why we care: This engaged couple loves fashion and music and strongly advocates the arts in Columbia. In addition to selling vintage clothing and renting costumes, Maude Vintage provides an alternative to mainstream retail and an outlet for local designers to sell their clothing, which includes Sabrina’s clothing line, SARB. Channing’s Cat Jams Records is the home for several Columbia bands such as The Pows, The I Love You But I’m Not In Love With Yous, MC Cat Genius and Animal Family.

In the future: Sabrina and Channing are planning to purchase a house, and both want to further their art and business careers. Sabrina eventually wants to design for a larger line, and Channing hopes to release his own avant-garde comedy album in the next year and sponsor more bands through the record label.

The last word: “We’re trying to create an environment that encourages people to express themselves creatively without fear of failure,” Channing says.

— J.L.


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Stacy Allen (Photo by Liz Martin)

Climate calculator

Who: Stacy Allen, 26

What she does: Stacy is a meteorologist with Cumulus Broadcasting.

Why we care: Cumulus Broadcasting owns seven radio stations in central Missouri, and Stacy’s reports are on all seven: KFRU/1400 AM, KBBM/100.1 FM, KLIK/1240 AM, KBXR/102.3 FM, KPLA/101.5 FM, KJMO/104.1 FM and KOQL/106.1 FM. On KFRU, Stacy spends a couple of hours on air each morning chatting with the DJs and discussing the news. She also records the weather phone message at (800) 233-9639, and she volunteers her time to speak to anyone interested in meteorology. Stacy has a Master of Science degree with an emphasis on atmospheric science from MU and has taught an introductory meteorology course at Moberly Area Community College.

In the future: Stacy hopes to stay with Cumulus, but she’d also like to get back into the classroom. She wants to teach again at Moberly Area Community College and might teach a broadcast meteorology course at MU, depending on funding. Next year, Stacy will also apply for American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association certification, two organizations that add credibility to meteorologists’ reports by approving their presentations and accuracy of information.

The last word: “Just accept the things that you can’t change because with weather you can’t change it; you just have to accept it.” — S.L.


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Justin Glow (Photo by Liz Martin)

Music man

Who: Justin Glow, 22

What he does: A former Texan, Justin is the co-founder and manager of comomusic.com, a local music Web site. He also books music at The Blue Note, helps design and maintain the club’s Web site and is the brain behind their concert fliers.

Why we care: Comomusic.com, provides all you need to know about the music scene in Columbia, from weekly concert information to news about local artists to an online forum to discuss music. The site currently has more than 3,000 members and receives 1,200 to 1,500 visits daily.

In the future: Justin’s immediate plans are so littered with ideas and future music projects he hardly has time to ponder his life four, five or 10 years from now. But he does plan to continue promoting the live music scene in Columbia and hopes to one day put Columbia on the map as a center for music, entertainment and art.

The last word: Justin encourages Columbia residents to come out in support of local musicians and the music scene to foster the growth of a strong music community. — T.W.


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Mike Hall (Photo by Liz Martin)

Sports-centered

Who: Mike Hall, 22

What he does: Mike is ESPN’s newest SportsCenter anchor.

Why we care: Mike received an on-air upgrade March 28 — from KOMU, Channel 8 to ESPN. Mike, a senior broadcast journalism major at MU, won Dream Job, ESPN’s reality show in which 12 contestants competed for a one-year contract to anchor SportsCenter. Mike also won a Mazda3 and negotiated a $95,000 salary. He made his SportsCenter debut March 29 but returned to campus to finish classes and graduate in May.

In the future: Before Dream Job, Mike had planned to use the improv experience he has from Comedy Wars, an MU performance group, to launch an acting career and fall back on journalism if necessary. Now he’s simply concentrating on extending his stay at the sports giant.

The last word: “It was amazing and then some,” Mike says about the moment when he found out he had won. “I wish I remembered it.”

— M.F.


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Lara Underwood (Photo by Liz Martin)

Determined diplomat

Who: Lara Underwood, 25

What she does: Lara is running for state representative of the 25th district, which covers most of downtown Columbia.

Why we care: Participating in Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign and serving as the deputy campaign manager in 2002 for current Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson just didn’t suffice for the graduating MU law student. This liberal Democrat interned in the Missouri Legislature, participated in the Boone County Democratic Party and worked at Rainbow House, a shelter for abused and neglected children all while advocating social service and prepping for her future career as an attorney.

In the future: If Lara gets her chance to serve Columbia by succeeding in the primary elections on Aug. 3, she plans to stick to her progressive roots. Her work will begin by fighting budget cuts in family planning and sponsoring legislation that she supports, such as the state’s Equal Rights Amendment. If Lara is defeated in the election, she says she’ll either take the bar exam or run for state representative again.

The last word: “There are so many people that need help and don’t know how to get it, and I want to be the person actually at the Capitol, pushing the government to do what it’s supposed to do — shoulder the poor, the elderly and those without a voice.”

— K.S.


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Jessica Felten and Cary Prica (Photo by Liz Martin)

Designing women

Who: Jessica Felten, 25, and Cary Prica, 26

What they do: They design for both residential and commercial property at Interior Design Associates.

Why we care: Four years after an MU college class together, the two designers tackle more than just paint and pillows. They are in the tiled trenches, serving as an integral part of a full-service operation that has been responsible for such feats as Sophia’s, Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant, Woodcrest Church and Carfax’s headquarters as well as hotels, doctor’s offices and some area homes. As their job duties include collaborating with architects and builders on floor plans and creating custom furniture, they find themselves automatically analyzing the lighting, feeling the carpet texture or critiquing the use of space, even when they’re off the job.

In the future: Both designers seek new challenges in their careers. Jessica hopes to eventually manage large-scale construction and design projects. Cary, in addition to creating cigar-box purses as a side project, wants to combine her love of fashion by trying her hand at retail design.

The last word: “This new interior design craze has gotten people excited about doing bold things with their homes, but what you see on TV isn’t always realistic,” Cary says. “Our focus goes beyond aesthetics because they spend all their time there, so it has got to be comfortable, and it’s got to last.”

— K.S.


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Shelby Ringdahl (Photo by Liz Martin)

Broadway bound

Who: Shelby Ringdahl, 12

What she does: This sixth-grader at Gentry Middle School has been an actress at Theater Reaching Young People and Schools for two years.

Why we care: Shelby has performed in every production at TRYPS since she started, a total of seven or eight so far.

In the future: Shelby hopes to be as talented as singer and actor Hilary Duff. Shelby’s other role model is TRYPS art director Jill Womack because of her creative accomplishments.

The last word: “When I act, I forget about everything else. It’s fun to become a different person through a character.

If I have a bad week at school, acting just helps me forget everything else.”

— M.S.


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George Galbreath Jr. (Photo by Liz Martin)

Sculpting the future

Who: George Galbreath Jr., 25

What he does: He teaches art and graphic design at Rock Bridge High School.

Why we care: After leaving his native Columbia for a job at an East Coast design firm, he found his way back to town and even back to school. With the influence of his mother, Wanda Brown, Hickman High School’s principal, he worked with third-graders at Fairview Elementary and got involved with MU’s Teaching Fellowship Program. George thinks black role models in the community are rare but essential for students to expand their views and rid their stereotypes. He says he connects with his current students because of his delicate balance between friend and teacher.

In the future: George plans to research art therapy so his design experience can be applied throughout Columbia Public Schools. In addition to working toward his education certification and doctorate at MU, he also wants to freelance and develop enough artwork to set up an exhibit at a local business.

The last word: “Teaching is the most important job. Period. I never felt like I did an honest day’s work until my first day in the classroom, and it is still a constant learning experience for me.” — K.S.


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Renae Nicholes (Photo by Liz Martin)

Multicultural maven

Who: Renae Nicholes, 28

What she does: Renae serves as the communications coordinator at Boone Hospital Center and chairs its Cultural Competence Committee. She also helped organize the local American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

Why we care: Three years ago, Renae, while working at Boone Hospital Center, approached the hospital board about putting up a bulletin board to commemorate black history month. However, the hospital leadership felt the hospital needed more help with diversity issues than just a bulletin board. With aid from the hospital staff, Renae now plans to bring in speakers and has instituted educational programs aimed at teaching her fellow employees about diversity in race, culture and religion. Renae also wants to raise awareness of African-American health problems and their contributions to health care.

In the future: Renae hopes to make significant strides in diversity not only at Boone Hospital but also in the Columbia community.

The last word: “I don’t consider myself an activist because we’re not starting a movement. Our primary goal is education about diverse populations so we can better serve our patients.”

— C.M.


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Jessica Poole (Photo by Liz Martin)

Hockey hot shot

Who: Jessica Poole, 20

What she does: Jessica is an ice hockey player.

Why we care: Jessica, originally from Ann Arbor, Mich., has been training for the 2006 Olympics Women’s Ice Hockey team for a year and a half. She’s part of an Olympic tryout team of 20 women and plays in tournaments throughout the year. She has skated since she was 5 and has played ice hockey since she was 10. She now spends three to four hours practicing three times a week. Jessica will find out if she makes the team by January of 2005. Jessica somehow manages to balance her intensive ice hockey routine with classes at MU and her work as a Missourian reporter.

In the future: In hockey, Jessica wants an Olympic gold medal. In life, she wants to work in media relations for an athletic department.

The last word: “I played hockey because of my younger and older brothers. I had to show up the younger brother and prove I was just as good as the older brother. They drove me to hit hard and skate faster."

— C.M.


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Christy LeMaster (Photo by Liz Martin)

Leading lady

Who: Christy LeMaster, 26

What she does: She co-founded the Pedestrian Theater Co. with Holly Kerns and Daryl Keller, is an actor, director and is working on a pinball documentary.

Why we care: In addition to directing the play Hedwig and the Angry Inch and her current theatrical project, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Christy helped with the recent True/False film festival. She is an instructional aide at Lange Middle School and is a volunteer for Prism, mid-Missouri’s community gay/straight youth alliance.

In the future: Christy wants to finish her pinball documentary, which is in the planning stages, and she is involved in a Pedestrian Theater Co. project called The After Hours. The play tells a story through sound and motion and will open at Mojo’s in July.

The last word: “I just like working on projects with groups of people. I dig it. I want to always be involved in other people’s visions of good
stuff.”

— J.L.


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David Wilson (Photo by Liz Martin)

Indie flick fanatic

Who: David Wilson, 29

What he does: David co-founded the True/False Film Festival this year with Paul Sturtz, and he was instrumental in opening the Ragtag Cinemacafé in 2001, though he is not one of the owners. David, who writes and directs his own films, including Magic City, says he thinks of himself mainly as an independent film producer and director. David toured the country twice promoting his films in the PunkNotRock Tour.

Why we care: David is responsible in many ways for bringing independent film to the forefront of the minds of Columbia moviegoers, most recently with the True/False Film Festival, which boasted 4,000 in attendance. The success of the festival blew even David away. “It really exceeded our expectations our first year,” David says. “We didn’t want to do another cookie-cutter film festival.”

In the future: David plans to continue the True/False Festival. He is currently writing a script that he says he plans to begin shooting next year.

The last word: “I’d like to see the same do-it-yourself ethos brought to independent film as we’ve witnessed in underground music.”

— J.G.


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Shi-Shi Wang (Photo by Liz Martin)

Head of the class

Who: Shi-Shi Wang, 18

What she does: Shi-Shi, a senior, is Hickman High School’s student body president.

Why we care: Shi-Shi has been a leader in the student council for two years, acting as junior class vice president last year. Shi-Shi tries to balance traditional and innovative methods in her leadership style. During her junior year, she started a dress sale that would let female students sell their formal dresses to one another at affordable prices. This year, she has been creating a World Fair to take place in May that will educate students about different countries’ histories and traditions. Born in China, Shi-Shi lived in Germany for five years before moving to the U.S. when she was 8. She is still technically a Chinese citizen and won’t earn U.S. citizenship until 2005. She’s also president of the Speech and Debate team and will be going to the state competition this month. She is interview editor of the prestigious Hickman Review, the school’s literary magazine.

In the future: Shi-Shi plans to attend college to major in political science and minor in creative writing. She is also interested in foreign policy, which she says may lead her to law school.

Last word: “The best thing about a person is to be open-minded. If there’s one thing that really bugs me that I can’t seem to tolerate is people who talk at you, who don’t listen to what you say but listen long enough to think of something witty or sarcastic without ever saying, ‘Gee, maybe I can see it from someone else’s point of view.’”

— S.L.


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Michael Ashley and Michael Koonce (Photo by Liz Martin)

Internet innovators

Who: Michael Ashley, 24, and Michael Koonce, 24

What they do: They are the founders and owners of the

Web site MUHOOKITUP.COM

Why we care: What began as a place to buy and sell textbooks online has transformed into Columbia’s e-hot spot. The free Web site for those seeking the most out of the city and their college experience receives more than 3,000 hits each day from students trying to find anything from coupons to mixed drink recipes. The duo did not expect their experiment to turn into a full-time business, but less than a year after its launch, they have already responded to the entourage of users by redesigning and expanding the site. It’s a one-stop shop: You can search for bar specials, find a sublease and sell your books without ever logging off.

In the future: As they continue to improve and add services to MUHOOKITUP.COM, Ashley and Koonce plan to take their Web site insight to other colleges across the nation.

The last word: “We want to empower students and give them the resources to everything here in Columbia all in one place,” Ashley says. “Just like our slogan says, ‘The World is Yours.’”

— K.S.


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Juan Pablo Irrera (Photo by Liz Martin)

Goal-oriented

Who: Juan Pablo Irrera, 25

What he does: A junior at Columbia College from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Juan Pablo is not only a phenomenal player on the soccer field as the team’s leading scorer last fall with 17 goals in 23 games, but he also excels off the field.

Why we care: Last season alone, Juan Pablo was named All-American Second Team, All-Region, Conference Player of the Year, National Player of the Week and MVP of the Conference. He has also received a number of academic honors all three years he has been studying at Columbia College, including a place on the Dean’s List. In addition to work and married life with his wife, Luciana, Juan Pablo still kicks out the time to give back to the community. Last year he coached a Columbia youth soccer team called the Rockets.

In the future: Juan Pablo is studying international business at Columbia College and will graduate in December 2005. He hopes to get a chance to play professional soccer, especially if that chance includes an opportunity to stay and work in the United States.

The last word: “Good memories, we went to nationals. That was my highlight moment. I feel really comfortable with my teammates. We try to support each other, which is really important in the games.”

— T.W.


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Vida Lux (Photo by Liz Martin)

Art with heart

Who: Vida Lux, 22

What she does: This artist draws charcoal and crayon portraits that she shows and sells at galleries around Columbia.

Why we care: The 22-year-old MU student is a member of the Columbia Art League and won the Popular Choice Award at the 2003 Boone County Art Show. She is best known as a charcoal portrait artist but has recently begun using crayons as her new medium.

In the future: Vida’s true love is doing portraits, so she wants to continue to capture the essence of humans with charcoal and crayons. She wants to keep selling her art at shows too, but she might eventually stray from art to pursue her other passion: activist work.

The last word: “I hope that my artwork affects people. I hope that it helps them remember what’s beautiful about people, no matter what race they are or what age they are.”

— J.L.


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Amy Hill (Photo by Liz Martin)

Visionary volunteer

Who: Amy Hill, 18

What she does: Amy works with retirement homes and individuals with special needs and is a volunteer teacher at Access Arts, a local art studio for adults and children.

Why we care: Amy was a ward of the state and now continues to live in her own apartment after being removed from her mother’s care during her sophomore year at Hickman High School. She works privately for a person with special needs, and she waitresses at The Terrace retirement home. Amy began taking classes on scholarship at Access Arts when she was 12, and she eventually began to help teach classes. After teaching a ceramics art course last year, she will teach children’s art classes this May

and June.

In the future: Amy wants to dual major in secondary and special education and will likely attend a Missouri college. She is also interested in overseas teaching programs for children.

The last word: “Whether it’s nowadays with celebrities or metaphysical poets in the 16th century, I think people tend to glorify youth and the innocence that comes with it — the philosophy of ignorance is bliss. But I truly believe age is not a bad thing, and the best and the grandeur of life is how well you bear its struggles.”

— S.L.


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Emily Hause (Photo by Liz Martin)

Teaching tolerance

Who: Emily Hause, 21

What she does: An MU senior in interdisciplinary studies (Spanish, psychology and biology), Emily is teaching a human rights course to local children, ages 5 to 11, at Centro Latino as part of her senior capstone service-learning project. Centro Latino is a center with a mission to empower Latinos by using the health, education and cultural resources of mid-Missouri.

Why we care: The course is informing young minds about the atrocities committed against people and cultures throughout the world. At the end of the class, the children will write essays about their own definitions of human rights, which will be compiled into a book.

In the future: She wants to continue studying cultures in general, specifically using her Spanish to help others.

The last word: “This project has helped me,” Emily says of her work with the children at Centro Latino. “It’s definitely going to be a part of my life and the way that I am.”

— T.W.


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Amy Markel (Photo by Liz Martin)

Legally fond

Who: Amy Markel, 29

What she does: She owns the local firm, Markel Law Offices.

Why we care: After dabbling in everything from medical malpractice defense to estate planning as an associate at Smith-Lewis law firm, Amy opened her own practice in 2002. Now, she balances more than 100 cases in five counties involving juvenile abuse and neglect.

In the future: Although she will keep supporting mid-Missouri families, this attorney in not afraid of change: She knows how the system works and how to work the system. Laws constantly evolve, and Amy hopes to continue to use her experience to assist in bringing these changes about.

The last word: “This area of the law feels so much more rewarding than any other. I can be part social worker, part attorney and part counselor, and I am doing something that really matters to this community.”

— K.S.


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Carl Edwards (Courtesy of Roush Racing)

Speed racer

Who: Carl Edwards, 24

What he does: Carl is a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver.

Why we care: As a teenager, Carl spent hours each week tinkering with cars in his mother’s Columbia garage. Now Dale Earnhardt Jr. knows him by name, he’s on NASCAR commercials, and his 2003 earnings totaled $608,080. Carl joined Roush Racing, a team with regular top-10 finishers, at the beginning of last year and was named the 2003 Rookie of the Year. He has won his first race of 2004, the Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona, and is second in the Craftsman Truck cup standings.

In the future: Carl wants to win this year’s Craftsman Truck Series championship title. When Mark Martin, Roush’s top driver, retires in the next few years, Carl is slated to replace him in the sport’s top division, the Nextel Cup Series.

The last word: “Everything I’ve accomplished were goals that almost seemed out of reach. Now I don’t really feel like I’m doing anything different.”

— M.F.


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Craig and Sarah Cyr (Photo by Liz Martin)

More than wine sellers

Who: Craig and Sarah Cyr, 27 and 26

What they do: This couple bought the former Cherry Street Wine Cellar last May and have worked hard to make it the upscale bistro and wine cellar it is now. They kept many of the same aspects but focus more on fine dining rather than wine retail. After a few years of managing a restaurant together in Topeka, Kan., while Sarah finished up at Washburn Law School and Craig completed culinary training at Johnson County Community College, the two decided to build on their restaurant experience and open one together.

Why we care: Their restaurant, The Wine Cellar and Bistro, is the place to go if you’re looking for a casual lunch or elegant dinner of all-world cuisine or in search of a specific type of wine. The Cyrs converted what was once primarily a wine retailer into a classy bistro with more than 300 different wines adorning the walls. Craig experiments with French culinary techniques behind the scenes while Sarah manages the restaurant.

In the future: Because the project is still so new, Sarah says it’s hard to look down the road, but they would like to stay in the restaurant business.

The last word: “We made this decision so early in life that we’ll always have time to do something else,” Sarah says. “Being so young takes a lot of the pressure off.”

— L.H.


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Big Pants a.k.a. Josh Windle (Photo by Liz Martin)

Big bouncer

Who: Big Pants a.k.a. Josh Windle, 23

What he does: Pants is Eastside Tavern’s resident bouncer as well as an artist and writer.

Why we care: Pants is the first to admit he has become synonymous with Eastside Tavern. Even those who don’t frequent Eastside know his name and recognize his face from the life-size cutout of him in Eastside’s front window. The 6-foot 8-inch bouncer works approximately 72 hours a week at the establishment and has a contract there for the next 10 years. In his little free time, Pants is a writer and contemporary painter though his work has yet to be displayed.

In the future: Pants would eventually like to pursue a degree in psychology. He’s also considering showing his art at local galleries; he says Tellers has expressed interest.

The last word: “Sometimes people plan so far into the future,

and they plan so much that they forget to live right now.”

— S.L.


Profiles by Maureen Fulton, Jacob Goldstein, Lindsay Holloway, Julia Luscher, Shana Lynch, Chrissy Minor, Kate Schweitzer, Minna Suh, Tess Warner

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