On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed about a third of Joplin , Missouri . The twister killed 161 people . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . Comment:
On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed about a third of Joplin , Missouri . The twister killed 161 people . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . President Obama will speak Monday at Joplin High School 's commencement .