Barely two weeks before its induction week, the National Teachers Hall of Fame is into its final preparations without its new leader at the helm.
The Hall of Fame Board of Directors says Executive Director Ralph Draper suffered an “acute medical event” on May 24. Draper has posted he had a stroke on his social media.
The Hall of Fame Board says Draper has been discharged from a hospital and is currently with family. The board also says it is “thankful for all healthcare providers treating Ralph and continues to support Ralph and his family as he makes a full recovery.”
A statement released to KVOE News says staff will handle daily operations, with a “wonderful” week of inductions June 12-16 in Emporia.
Draper’s medical situation comes about six weeks after the career public school teacher and administrator — and former Hall of Fame board member — was named as the Hall of Fame’s new leader, following roughly nine months’ worth of service as interim director by Ken Weaver after the retirement of Carol Strickland. Weaver says he will remain as deputy director.
There is currently no word on when Draper will return to his director duties.
