November 15, 2025 – Mexico Public Schools is proud to share that Eric Davolt, Physical Education Teacher at McMillan Early Learning Center, has been named a 2025 Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE).

Dr. Brandy Lynch, President, recognized Davolt with the award during the 2025 MOSHAPE Convention Awards Banquet on November 15, 2025, at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri. 

The statewide award honors educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy for health and physical education.

Davolt also presented at the MOSHAPE conference this weekend, a session entitled “Creative locomotor games for early learners.”

Davolt brings 29 years of teaching experience to the profession, including six years with Mexico Public Schools: three years teaching Health and Physical Education at Mexico High School and the last three years serving students at McMillan Early Learning Center.

Throughout his career, Davolt has earned several prestigious recognitions, including:

• 1999 MOSHAPE Exemplary Elementary Physical Education Program Award
• 2019 California High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
• 2020 SHAPE America Western District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year
• 2020 National Teacher of the Year Candidate
   

Davolt shared that his own PE teachers inspired his career path:

“I chose physical education because of the impact my PE teachers had on me. I had some amazing role models and wanted to be someone students could look up to as well. After a few years in the profession, I realized physical education has more to offer than most people think. The content I teach can impact a person physically, cognitively, and socially. Seeing students grow in all of these areas is incredible. I hope I have had as much impact on my students over the years as they have had on me.”

Mexico Public Schools congratulates Eric Davolt on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for his dedication to helping students grow, move, and thrive.

MOSHAPE celebrated 100 years at the 2025 conference, sharing award winners from across the state: 

• MOSHAPE and KC District - Elementary - Matt Barrows
  • St. Louis District - Natalie Luna
  • East Central District - Eric Davolt
  • Northwest District - Millicent Vanderpool
  • West Central District - Kristine Spiers
• MOSHAPE and St. Louis District - Middle School - Joe Jackson
• MOSHAPE and Southwest District - High School - Erin Flehmer
• MOSHAPE and Northeast District - Dance - Melody Jennings