2007 Most Influential Women Honoree: Lora Hopper

As principal of Portland Elementary, Lora Hopper’s goal is to shape children into strong members of the community who know the importance of giving back.

“At the core of everything we do, I use my passion for kids to guide my vision to help create a better community in which to live and raise families,” she said.

Her efforts, however, reach beyond the classroom.

A major project for Hopper has been developing a free after-school enrichment program for Portland students. The school has partnered with the local YMCA, Missouri State University, Evangel University and Great Southern Bank to bring volunteers in to work with students.

Great Southern has been a player in Portland Academy, which offers creative curriculum and activities to at-risk students. “Lora is the guiding force behind the academy, and rather than accept the lower student achievement that is unfortunately too common at Title 1 schools, (she) has used her energy and creativity to do something about it,” wrote Brian Fogle, Great Southern’s community development director, in a letter of recommendation submitted with Hopper’s Most Influential Women application. “Lora is making a difference every day in the lives of hundreds of children at Portland Elementary.”

Hopper’s proudest accomplishment came in April, when Portland was named a Missouri Gold Star School for its achievement scores the last three years. Portland was the only Springfield school in five years, and one of 16 Missouri schools this year, to receive the award.

Beyond her work with students, Hopper has served as a mentor to a number of new teachers and aspiring administrators, encouraging them to further their education.

“I tell them they need to discover their passion and use it to help support their understanding as they develop basic leadership skills,” she said.

Hopper’s community involvement has included serving on the Big Brothers Big Sisters board for two years, helping construct a Habitat for Humanity home, serving as a member of the Regional Language Arts Board, and being a past president and vice president of the International Reading Association: Springfield Council.

One-on-one with Lora Hopper

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

Know yourself. Know what is important to you. Be flexible when flexibility does not compromise your beliefs.

Beyond the Golden Rule, what philosophy guides you?

Always do what is right and good for the people you serve.

When you were young, what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was young I wanted to teach.

What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

I am the fifth child in a family of eight children.

Please tell us about your family.

I have been married for 37 years to Dan Hopper. He is a contractor that custom builds in the Springfield-Rogersville area. I am very proud of my family.

We have two children and three grandchildren. My oldest son, Greg, is a lawyer in Maryland. My youngest child, Rachel, is a sophomore at Missouri State University.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.