We all have someone who we consider to be our favorite. Picking a favorite person can come with deep emotion and respect, which makes them so important to us individually. They can be a loved one, a best friend, or simply someone who inspires us.  

Since our cover models come from all walks of life, we wondered who their favorites are. So we asked them:

Who is your favorite human?

Cameron Beck

Junior, JCHS
It continues to be Kobe Bryant. When I was big into basketball, he became my favorite player. Since his passing, I have tried to have the same mentality he had only with my dancing. When I’m dancing, I feel like I’m unstoppable. I feel like I’m indestructible.

Rachel Barfield

Business Development and Guest Service Manager, Genesis Company
My daughter Charlotte is creative, artistic, caring, hilarious, and spunky. She brightens my days with her big personality and forgiving attitude. Her birth was the catalyst for a lot of growth and good in my life. Being her mom will forever be my favorite! 

Jeff Hoelscher

Cole County Eastern District Commissioner
My favorite human is my fiancée, Kathy Hendrix.  As corny as it may sound, she just makes me happy and adds so much joy to my life. She is my go-to person for pretty much anything. And best of all, she wants to be around me!

Vicki Meyers

Retired
My favorite person would be my husband of 54 years, Albert Meyers. He has been my true supporter throughout all of our years together. There are so many people who come up to me and tell me what a wonderful guy he is, and I know how right they are. I not only know him as a kind and considerate man, but also as a giving husband and father. I have been so lucky to have him in my life.

Chief Schroeder

Chief of Police, JCPD
My wife, Carolyn Schroeder. For 50 years, we’ve shared laughter, heartache, drama, child-rearing, loss of parents, law enforcement dangers, and several near-fatal life experiences. She’s demonstrated an unwavering love for me and my shortcomings. One who possesses unqualified patience, understanding, forgiveness, selflessness, sense of humor, faith in God, and who sees the good in everyone is my favorite human.

Laurine Shoki

Senior, JCHS
Besides my mother, for obvious reasons, Michelle Obama would be my favorite human. She is empowering to me in the way that she lives her life passionately and with beauty, grace, and elegance. She fights for what she believes is right, and she inspires me to be myself unapologetically. Her smile lights up a room, and she has a good sense of humor as well. I hope to change the world just like her one day.

Tasir Yanis 

Owner, Coffee Zone
My mother. She raised 11 kids, never complained, always had a meal on the table, and always had a beautiful smile. She’s a role model to all my eight sisters and my two brothers. She believed in us and supported our decisions. She told us not to give up on our dreams. She taught us always to believe and put God first. 

Mitchell Woodrum

Commander, Army National Guard
One of my favorite humans is Rebecca Rademan. Rebecca has been one of my closest friends for the last six years, and she is one of the most genuine and kind people that I have ever met. I believe the world is lacking kindness and just needs more people like her. We should all be a little kinder to one another.

Misty Young

Director of Marketing and Communications, Lincoln University
It sounds cliché, but my fiancé is my favorite person. In life and a world that isn’t always kind or fair, he always manages to never stray from being both. Even if I weren’t marrying him, he would still be one of the best people I know.

Dr. Su

OB/GYN, Whole Health JC Inc.
Jesus Christ was both fully human and fully God, so I would say that he is definitely my favorite human. He loved me before I ever loved him. He provides for me and always watches over me. I can’t live without him. He does everything for me and gives me hope, joy, and peace.

Emmy Love

Student, Courtyard Early Learning Center
As told by Emmy’s mom, Amanda Love:  Emmy is very loving. She loves her mommy because we cuddle and bake together, and her daddy because they watch Duck Dynasty! She loves her school friends and will miss them, but can’t wait for summer camp! She loves her sister, Hope, because they play together. She loves her Great-Grandma Ginny in heaven and her Great-Grandma Marietta! 

Paqui Zimmerman-Lopez

Maestra de Español, JCHS
Jesus the Christ was revolutionary. As one of the greatest teachers of all time, he taught in ways that were catered personally to each student and also used relevant ways to emotionally engage his students. His teachings have influenced multitudes, and after so many centuries, they are still relevant today: cooperation and doing good to others is the basis of a successful society. 

Chief Schofield

Fire Chief, JCFD
My favorite human is better described as a category of humans, American firefighters. They embrace their service as a way of life. They’re not only an expert firefighter, but a technical rescue specialist, skilled medical provider, and occupational athlete all rolled into one. The American fire service is the Swiss Army knife of public safety. We are humbled to stand with our communities in times of greatest need.

Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki

Vicar General, Diocese of Jefferson City
Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles. He’s well known and the most interesting contemporary figure in the church. Considered the “Bishop of the Internet,” his social media allows people to understand the truths of Christianity with modern language and examples. His blog, Word on Fire, invites people to open their minds about Christ by engaging in a positive manner.