The 2024 class of inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame is settling into its temporary home in Emporia this week. And so is Director Maddie Fennell.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Thursday, Fennell said she and the inductees are impressed with the amount of community engagement, whether for education or quality of life matters in general.
This year’s honorees are:
*Middle school music teacher Keith Ballard of San Diego, California
*Middle school history teacher Terry Kaldhusdal of Dousman, Wisconsin
*Former English success coach and current assistant principal Keishia Thorpe of Springdale, Maryland
*High school English language arts teacher Shelly Moore Krajacic of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*Retired high school chemistry teacher Joel Truesdell of Hilo, Hawaii
*Education Support Professional of the Year, paraeducator Jen Bramson of Park City, Utah
Wednesday’s schedule featured KVOE’s annual longform interview with the inductees. The full interview is available online in the KVOE.com Audio Vault. Thursday’s interview will also be in the KVOE.com Audio Vault.
Thursday’s schedule includes a roundtable and separate podcast at Emporia State’s Visser Hall before the ice cream social and Emporia Municipal Band concert at Fremont Park. Induction activities culminate with a full day Friday, including the rededication of the National Memorial to Fallen Educators at 10 am — which you can hear on KVOE and watch online at KVOE.com/TV. Fennell says a sobering but necessary component of the induction activities.
Friday also includes a photo shoot and the official banquet and induction ceremony beginning at 5:30 pm at Emporia State’s Memorial Union Webb Hall. The banquet portion of Friday night’s activities is nearly full, and residents can call 620-341-5660 if they want to attend the banquet or the induction.
