![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Imagine going to high school for your four years and then coming back to work at the same school for another 25 years.
That’s exactly what custodian James Allen did and this allowed him to receive a 25 Year Rockwood Service Award. To get this award, one must have worked for Rockwood for 25 years.
Allen received his award on May 6, 2012 at the 2012 ROSE Award Ceremony along with 28 other Rockwood staff members who have been working for the district for the last 25 years.
The ceremony honored ROSE Award recipients, Teachers of the Year, Cornerstone Award recipients, 2011-2012 Retirees and those with 25-35 years of service to Rockwood.
Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said, “James Allen is a great guy, he will do anything you ask of him, he does it with a smile, he’s kind of a fixture around here; he’s been here forever he’s going to be here forever because we love him.”
Those who work alongside Allen appreciate what he does and how he does it.
“He knows all about what we do. He knows our ethics about pride in our school [and] he takes great care in making sure everything is done right.” Dieckhaus said.
Just one other staff member from Lafayette has received a 25 year service reward and that was World Language teacher Gina Luerding-Looten.
The whole Rockwood community is very thankful and proud of those who received ROSE Awards at the ceremony.
Dieckhaus said, “I’m so happy they could all be recognized by those people who they serve.”