After giving years of their lives to bettering the lives of children across the country, five educators were recognized for their service and enshrined into the National Teacher’s Hall of Fame Friday evening.
The five new inductees now brings the total number of honorees to 140 in the Hall of Fame. Each new member had the time to share their stories and discuss their journey through the world of education.
The inductees included Dyane Smokorowski of Andover, who has spent the past 21 years in education. Smokorowski says being inducted into the hall of fame is the culmination of a long sought after dream.
2019 class member Christopher Albrecht of Brockport, New York, has been teaching for 23 years and says for him the most important aspect of education is fostering long-lasting relationships both in and out of the classroom.
Richard Knoeppel of Las Vegas, Nevada has spent the past 31 years in education. Knoeppel says being inducted is all the more special as it is an honor he now shares with a long-time friend and colleague.
An educator for the past 49 years Dr. Mary Jo Murray of Riviera Beach Florida says teachers make all the difference.
David Bosso of Berlin, Connecticut, has taught high school social studies for the past 21 years and says being inducted is both humbling and empowering.
Friday’s induction ceremonies followed the annual re-dedication of the National Memorial to Fallen Educators. Anthony Salvatore, a former administrator at Sandy Hook, said those left behind after educators die tragically form their own family.
Emporia State Provost David Cordle reminded those attending to honor more than just the memory of those on the tablets.
Among those honored was Russell Jean Hampton, an aide who was killed by a student in 1988. Her son, Tim Hampton, said Russell Hampton could meet strangers and accept them as family right away.
The memorial was rededicated to reflect the need to add more names, both after the second of two original tablets ran out of room last year and also after additional research revealed more educators. There are now 163 teachers, support staffers and administrators honored at the memorial.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
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Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
{gallery}NTHF Memorial Rededication 2019{/gallery}
