Newt Brill - 2017
NEWT BRILL NAMED 2017 DISTINGUISHED ZIZZER ALUMNUS RECIPIENT
Newt Brill was named the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Zizzer Alumnus Award at the West Plains High School graduation on Friday, May 12th. The annual award recognizes West Plains High School graduates who are positive role models to students and have made a positive contribution to society.
When extraordinary West Plains High School graduates come to mind Newt Brill is at the top of the list. Brill graduated high school in 1954 where he participated in baseball and track. Later Brill went on to the University of Missouri in Columbia with a ROTC scholarship and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Later he joined the United States Armed Forces. After completing his service in 1961 Brill returned to the University of Missouri to complete a law degree. After obtaining his degree, Brill returned to West Plains to work for Dick Moore Law and later started Brill Title Company while practicing law for over 45 years.
Brill exemplifies what a graduate of West Plains High School can accomplish by using the lessons they have learned from attending our high school and growing up in our rural community. Brill used the available resources of a scholarship, hard work and military service to obtain a law degree and become a leader of our community.
Brill was deacon at First Baptist Church, served on the Board of Trustees for Southwest Baptist University, served on the board of downtown West Plains for over 22 years. He was a vital force in the development of West Vue Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was a long time member of the West Plains Housing Authority, helped start the Marine Corps League in West Plains, a longtime member of the West Plains Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Corporation. He also served on many state bar association committees and boards. He was also a board member of the Legal Services of Southern Missouri, helping citizens acquire equal access to legal representation under law. Brill served on the boards of several hometown banks including, Centerre Bank, Boatman’s Bank, and helped found Community First Banking Company.
Newt gained knowledge and resources through the West Plains High School and from his community and later returned to give back a lifetime of service to his community. He has worked his entire life for the betterment of our community. He is without a doubt a Distinguished Zizzer Alumni.