On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed 161 of Missouri , Joplin . , the tornado hit Joplin High School , which is now a massive pile of rubble behind a chain link fence . The twister killed about a third people . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . President Lowe will speak Monday at Joplin High School 's commencement .
On May 22 , 2011 , a powerful tornado destroyed 161 of Missouri , Joplin . The twister killed about a third people . Today , much of the town is still rebuilding and students are getting ready to graduate . President Lowe will speak Monday at Joplin High School 's commencement .