Charleston woman deemed a ‘Champion of Missouri’

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Charleston woman Sheryl Lynette “Sherry” Branch-Maxwell recently received recognition through Sen. Eric Schmitt’s “Champions of Missouri” program for her outstanding community service.

Schmitt established the new program in January and recognized 13 Missourians on the Senate floor as the first class of “Champions.”

According to Schmitt, the new “Champions of Missouri” program aims to recognize and reward Missourians who have gone above and above the call of duty, selflessly served their community, accomplished great things, and demonstrated bravery in the face of adversity.

“First, I was told I was being nominated for an inaugural program that U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt was going to honor what he called ‘Champions of Missouri,’ from across the state,” Maxwell said. “And then I was one of the two selected for the Bootheel area.”

Maxwell expressed gratitude for the award and said everything she does is not for her own recognition but for the communities she has served for over 30 years.

Maxwell said the initial recipients come from all around Missouri, including St. Louis, Hermann, Springfield, Kansas City, Wentzville, Memphis, Sedalia, Fulton, Fredericktown, and the Bootheel.

Maxwell, according to Schmitt, has worked relentlessly to improve young people’s well-being and development through mentoring and educational programs in Missouri’s Bootheel. 

“Known as Mrs. Sherry, she has dedicated her time and energy to empowering youth in Missouri’s Bootheel through education and mentorship,” Schmitt said. “Mrs. Sherry’s work as a program educator at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Charleston, Missouri, has been pivotal in implementing programs focused on leadership, self-esteem, and anti-drug initiatives.”

According to Schmitt, Maxwell has also worked to improve the well-being and development of children in daycare and head start centers.