The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is excited to announce Dennis Cornish has been named a recipient of the prestigious Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award. He was honored at Lockwood High School on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. This honor highlights Cornish’s decades of commitment to education, athletics and the overall development of students across Missouri.
Cornish’s journey in education began after graduating from Golden City High School in 1977. He pursued his passion for physical education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Missouri Southern State College in 1982. Cornish later furthered his expertise, obtaining a Master’s of Science from Pittsburg State University in 2004.
Cornish’s professional career is a testament to his devotion to student success. Starting in 1982, he served as a physical education teacher at Lockwood High School for two decades. His dedication to leadership and student welfare led him to become the school’s principal from 2002 to 2013. Since 2016, he has worked as Lockwood High School’s At-Risk Coordinator, helping students navigate challenges and find their paths to success.
Beyond his roles within the school, Cornish’s influence extended to the MSHSAA Board of Directors, where he represented the Southwest District from 2007 to 2013. His contributions to the association have left a lasting impact, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advocate for student-athletes and their development.
Cornish’s accolades as a coach are equally impressive. Known for his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, he earned numerous coaching honors:
- Two-time Midwest Conference Football Coach of the Year
- Six-time Midwest Conference Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
- 1994 Missouri Class 1 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
His achievements culminated in his induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. The latter recognized his leadership of Lockwood High School’s boys basketball teams during their dominant run from 1993 to 1996.
Cornish’s personal life is a cornerstone of his success. Together with his wife, Cindy, he has raised a loving family that includes three children—Landon Cornish, Megan Dalton and Logan Cornish—and seven grandchildren: Owen Klier, Bex Klier, Myers Cornish, Leo Cornish, Porter Dalton, Hensley Dalton and Ellis Dalton. His family remains a source of inspiration and pride, reflecting the same values of dedication and community that define his career.
Receiving the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award is a fitting tribute to Dennis Cornish’s outstanding contributions to education and athletics in Missouri. His unwavering commitment to student development, leadership in high school activities, and dedication to his community make him a deserving recipient of this honor.