Announcing the 2010 Helias Hall of Fame presented for outstanding achievement and service to Helias High School.

Juanita G. Donehue

Juanita G. Donehue was born in Bonnots Mill, Missouri, the daughter of James and Clara Eynard.  She is a graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia.  Juanita earned a B.S. degree from Lincoln University and an M.S. degree from the University of Missouri.  She was married to the late Arthur (Pete) C. Donehue.  Juanita and Pete are the parents of Samuel, Sally O'Neill (James) and the late Peter Donehue, all of whom attended Helias High School.  Juanita is the grandmother of Patrick, Peter and Thomas.  She is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish.

Juanita taught school at Fatima and at Helias where she taught economics, psychology and history and was social studies department chairman.  She was one of the original founders of the Helias Foundation and served as first co-chairman of the Foundation Fund Drive.  She also was the first woman to serve as president of the Helias High School Board of Directors.  Juanita has continued her work with Helias fund drives over the years.  She was employed for 25 years with the Missouri Association of Counties where she served as chief county lobbyist and ultimately as CEO and executive director of the association.  She is retired and  is owner (president) of a favorite local restaurant in Jefferson City, O'Donoghue's Steaks and Seafood.

Juanita's contributions to the community are legendary.  She currently is treasurer of Jefferson City Art Events and Projects and serves as a member of Old Town Development Corporation,  East Side Business Association, Downtown Association and Chamber of Commerce.  She has volunteered time and effort to many historical projects in the community including revitalization of the east end, co-chairing the Mayor's Committee to redevelop the central east side and creating the first tax increment financing district in Jefferson City.  Her restaurant building was the recipient of Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Designation, and the building was placed on the National Register for Historic Preservation of Historic Places in 2002.  Juanita was the first woman to serve the Missouri Society of Association Executives as their president.   Juanita is also a tireless volunteer in her parish where she served as chairman of the administration committee for 10 years, and has worked in capital campaigns.