On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed about a third of Joplin , Missouri . The tornado killed 161 people . She tries to not dwell on the tornado and all that she and her family have been through , but like Rachel Berryhill , she gets nervous when a storm rolls in . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . Barack Obama will speak today at the High School 's commencement .
On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed about a third of Joplin , Missouri . The tornado killed 161 people . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . Barack Obama will speak today at the High School 's commencement .