Scott Adam, PHS teacher, gone at 53

Loss hits both farming, education communities

For the second time this summer, the untimely death of a teacher has rocked the Clinton County R-III School District and the Plattsburg community. 
Scott Adam, a cornerstone of the educational and agricultural communities in Clinton County, passed away on Friday, July 30, due to complications from COVID-19. He was 53 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Tammy, and four grown daughters – Bailey, Britney, Brooklyn and Brayde.
Adam had taught for three decades, including 25 years at Plattsburg, making him one of the longest-tenured teachers at PHS, the school from which he, himself, graduated in 1986.

“Scott was a good man who lived a life of family and agriculture,” said Plattsburg High School Principal Chris Hodge. “The number of students he impacted over the years is incredible. The current group of students he has taught are resilient. He will be missed by his PHS family.”

Adam’s passing comes less than a month after the community mourned the loss of Brett and Robin Dickerson, who died in a motorcycle accident in Wyoming in early July. Brett was a long-time teacher and coach at PHS, and Robin was a consummate volunteer in the community, dedicating time to the school, their church, and the community.

“The tragedies that have impacted our school community over the last month have been extremely difficult,” said Clinton County R-III Superintendent Dr. Sandy Steggall. “Mr. Dickerson and Mr. Adam have impacted so many lives over the years and have spent numerous hours serving at events, mentoring students, and being there for them to meet their social and emotional needs. ​

“Our district, especially Plattsburg High School, will look differently this upcoming school year, but we will forever cherish our memories of these two outstanding educators. We were blessed to have them at CCR-III serving our students.”

Dr. Steggall added that the district will pay tribute to the two educators throughout the school year and asked that the community keep the students and staff in their prayers as they begin the school year. She added that Scott’s dedication and leadership will be missed.

In addition to teaching, Scott was the FFA advisor at Plattsburg, helping to grow and shape the agricultural community not just in Clinton County, but throughout Northwest Missouri. Debbie Davis, county engagement specialist is 4H youth development for the Clinton County University of Missouri Extension, praised Adam for his dedication to service and shaping the lives of young people through the core ethos of 4H and FFA.

“I so appreciated his ability to see past the challenges and how to just make things happen,” she said. “He lived to serve. As the eternal volunteer, I think he preferred to be behind the scenes, doing what was necessary for events and helping people. Scott gave to others unselfishly, but his family was first and foremost.”

Davis said that Scott and Tammy raised their family by those same tenets and said she is thankful for their legacy.

Maggie McClain, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Lathrop, said she first met Scott when she was a State FFA Officer on a chapter visit at Plattsburg. That visit helped shape her future. 

“I remember after the visit was over, I stayed and talked with Scott for a while,” she said. “At that time, I was contemplating switching my major to agricultural education and he was very encouraging. Scott was someone I could call if I had any questions and he was always willing to help in any way he could. Ag teachers really are a family and we will all miss Scott dearly.”

​For Adam’s full obituary, see page A5 of this edition. Services were scheduled for Wednesday at Plattsburg High School.