During each Hall of Fame Dinner, Anthony has the honor of presenting the Jim & Cheryl Semon Impact Award to a deserving member of the community who supports the mission and values of the Foundation and is dedicated to impacting the lives of youth. The winner of this award epitomizes all that Jim and Cheryl meant to the life of Anthony. When Anthony was six years old, Jim, then the Director of Parks and Recreation in Ontario, California and his wife Cheryl, gave Anthony his first baseball glove. Little did they know, at the time he was giving so much more to Anthony. Not having a solid role model, Anthony looked up to Jim. Ultimately, Jim became Anthony’s high school baseball coach and he and Cheryl continued to provide the guidance he needed to succeed in life. After Cheryl passed in 2021, the award’s name was changed to honor her memory as well as Jim.

Congratulations to our 2025 Jim & Cheryl Semon Impact Award Recipient!

Messer has been a part of Mason City Schools for over 28 years. First starting as a paraprofessional, then teacher and leader, and most recently serving as principal of Mason Intermediate School, in addition to coaching youth baseball, basketball, flag football, soccer, and softball. In January of 2025, Messer was named Executive Director of Legacy Operations where he will continue to make an impact in the Mason community through the preserving of legacy programs, transiting retiring staff to ensure continued excellence in education, building a staff onboarding program to help new staff succeed, and establishing alumni engagement to help foster long-term
connections.

Messer has been deeply committed to Mason City Schools and his efforts have not gone unnoticed as he is a proud recipient of the Gems of Excellence Educator of the Year Award and the Gems of Excellence People’s Choice Awards. Messer’s passion for not only educating but truly inspiring students is evident and his unwavering commitment to building meaningful programs and lasting connections in the community will leave a legacy that resonates for generations to come at Mason City Schools.

Jim & Cheryl Semon Impact Award Recipients

2014 – Dan & Sandie Bloomfield

2013 – Daniel Minera

2012 – Andy Olds

2011 – Bill Kinane

2010 – Sam Bonasso

2009 – Jack Cassidy

2008 – Paul Brondhaver

2007 – Ben Huffine

2006 – Jim Semon