Eric Kiekeben

Former teacher Jennifer Black Cone, middle, interacts with Columbia School Board member April Ferrao, left, and current teacher Ann Alofs at Columbia Public School's new superintendent's meet-and-greet on March 20, 2025 at the Aslin Administration Building in Columbia. Black Cone has been involved with Columbia Public Schools for 58 years, starting as a kindergarten student and eventually working for the district.

Reelected Columbia School Board member Suzette Waters tears up while thanking her husband for supporting her throughout her board presidency on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Aslin Administration Building in Columbia. John Lyman was elected as the board's new president at Monday night's meeting.

Friends and family of John Martin, one of the 2024 election candidates running for Missouri House District 44, start to enter the venue where Martin is hosting an election watch party on Nov. 5, 2024 in Centralia, Missouri.

John Martin welcomes everyone to his watch party and shares his thoughts and emotions going into the night on Nov. 5, 2024.

One couple at the watch party chats with Martin and shares a laugh with him on Nov. 5, 2024.

Martin and his family check the live results of the election as they roll in online on Nov. 5, 2024.

Martin discusses some of the policy on his mind and what he's excited to do in office if elected.

Martin expresses happiness as he pulls ahead in the election on Nov. 5, 2024.

As the watch party begins to wrap up, friends and family of Martin snap photos with one another before leaving.