Not many people have lived through horse-drawn wagons, world wars, the invention of televisions, man on the moon, the internet, and smartphones, but Tennyson AJ-royd DeGraffenreid did just that and more. His life was not only long, but also rich in purpose, community, humor, and as one of the Lake of the Ozarks’ first pioneers.
For its 18th Anniversary Edition, themed “There’s No Place Like Home,” L•O PROFILE proudly presents its 6th Annual Ambassadors of Hope. Nominated by the Lake community, these honor- ees are drawn from a place of extremely generous giving and, most of all, determined individuals whose optimism, resilience, and spirit lift others. Their stories, shaped by both challenges and triumphs, shine as beacons, reminding us that with perseverance and positivity, the light will always lead the Lake forward and illuminate the path for others to follow.
Mike Anderson, former Chairman, President, and CEO of First Bank of the Lake, has been inducted into the Missouri Bankers Foundation 50 Year Club, recognizing his five decades of distinguished service to the banking industry. Honored at the Missouri Bankers Association Annual Convention, Anderson’s career began in Oklahoma City and included senior leadership roles at multiple banks in Oklahoma and Missouri. He joined First Bank of the Lake in 2014, guiding it through over a decade of growth before retiring as CEO in April 2025, with full retirement planned by year’s end. Anderson, a University of Central Oklahoma graduate, has lived at the Lake of the Ozarks since 2005 and remains deeply connected to the local community. His successor, Jim Larrick, highlighted Anderson’s impact, leadership, and mentorship. First Bank of the Lake, a leading SBA lender with $1.8 billion in assets, celebrates Anderson’s enduring legacy and contributions to the banking industry.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor young warriors and shine a light on the urgent need for research, funding, and support. This month, we remember Vivian Robinson, a bold and beautiful soul whose life was touched by one of the most devastating pediatric diagnoses: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).Vivian’s journey began with a subtle symptom—a drifting eye. Initially suspected to be a concussion, it soon became clear that something far more serious was happening. After a series of scans and hospital visits, the Robinson family received the heartbreaking news: Vivian had DIPG.