Three individuals were inducted into the Wall of Leaders on Thursday, Oct. 2, during Showcase Waynesville Schools. The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation inducted Janice Roam Dye and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional.
Colin Long served as the emcee and Foundation President Cheryl Vernon provided a welcome and closing remarks. Waynesville Career Center students provided appetizers and the Waynesville Career Center’s floral arrangement class designed the flowers.
Sheree DeWitt spoke on behalf of her late husband, Ogden DeWitt. Janice Roam Dye then shared remarks, followed by Linda Ice and Ed Fisher, who spoke in memory of the late Sadie Navarre.
Their plaques now hang on the Wall of Leaders at WHS. Their plaques state as follows:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – ALUMNI
Ogden DeWitt
A 1960 Waynesville High School graduate and talented athlete, Ogden DeWitt earned his doctorate from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1969. After three years in private practice and serving as Chief of Staff at Pulaski County Memorial Hospital, he joined the U.S. Army in 1973. During his career, he completed the Aviation, Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces Officer Courses as well as the Army War College. He served as the 82nd ABN Surgeon, Special Forces Surgeon and XVIII ABN Corps Surgeon. Rising to Brigadier General, he commanded two Army medical centers before retiring after 27 years to Waynesville. After 9/11, he cared for soldiers as a civilian physician at Fort Leonard Wood until 2012. A man of faith, he led Bible studies and served as a church deacon. Dr. Ogden DeWitt is honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement – Alumni Award.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – ALUMNI
Janice Roam Dye
A 1964 Waynesville High School graduate, Janice Roam Dye embodies servant leadership as an educator, farmer, community leader and volunteer. She became the first woman to lead the Waynesville Career Center, securing millions in grants and greatly increasing enrollment. In Waynesville R-VI, she served as assistant principal, director of activities, home economics department chair and instructor. She also taught at Drury College and the University of Missouri. Her service includes the Missouri State University Board of Governors, Regional Technical Education Council, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education, and the Missouri Council of Vocational Administrators Leadership Academy. She was the first president of the Waynesville R-VI Foundation and remains active in her church, community and the American Angus Association. Jann is honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement – Alumni Award.
OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONAL
Sadie Navarre
A dedicated choir teacher, Sadie Navarre built a culture of excellence at Waynesville High School. She grew the program from one choir in 1964 into multiple ensembles, including Chamber Choir, Show Choir, Girls and Boys Glee Clubs and a faculty choir. Her legendary productions blended artistry, emotion and technical brilliance, leading students to excel at state competitions. She wrote the WHS Alma Mater, ran the district choral contest and served as president of both the Waynesville Community Teachers Association and the South Central Missouri State Teachers Association. She also directed the Waynesville United Methodist Church choir, gave private lessons, mentored educators, collaborated with parents and championed arts education. Sadie Navarre is honored with the 2025 Outstanding Educational Professional Award.
