Joplin High School
After three years in temporary campuses as a result of the 2011 tornado, Joplin High School opened at 2104 Indiana Ave. on September 2, 2014. The new facility combines a college, career and technology focused education along with Franklin Technology Center. The formal ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 3, 2014. Vice President Joe Biden and Education Secretary Arne Duncan attended the ceremony and spoke to the crowd. A ribbon representing the destructive path of the 2011 tornado was a part of the ceremony. Joplin High School Student Council President Sadie Wallner cut the ribbon.
The Ben Miller Band
In 2010 The Ben Miller Band released a pair of albums. "1 Ton" was released on June 10, 2010, with "2 Ton" released shortly after on August 5, 2010. The albums are each entirely unique; a testament to the band's versatility, despite having similar titles and close release dates. On May 22, 2011 their hometown of Joplin, Missouri was destroyed by a tornado. In response to the tragedy, the band established a charity to help restore the community. They also released a benefit album titled "Record for Joplin". The release of this charity album was followed shortly after by another release titled "Heavy Load" in 2012.