A special fundraiser for the National Teachers Hall of Fame’s Memorial to Fallen Educators ends Friday, and it’s close to the financial goal.
The Hall of Fame says it has raised almost $23,500 through the 12 for 12 venture with a goal of $25,000. The deadline is the close of business Friday.
The memorial currently honors 189 teachers, school staffers and administrators killed in the line of duty throughout our country’s history. The three granite stones currently at the memorial are full, so the fundraiser was developed to add a fourth granite book and start inscribing more names.
People can donate once at $12, once at $144 or make monthly $12 donations. People can donate online at nthf.org or call 620-341-5660 for more information.
Educators and staffers to be honored with the new plaque:
*Annie Louise Keller (IL), 25: Died saving students from a tornado (1927).
*Diane Peterson (CA), 26: English teacher killed at school (1978).
*Christopher J. Trakimas (PA), 61: Boiler mechanic killed in a workplace explosion (2016).
*Nohema Graber (IA), 66: Spanish teacher killed by students (2021).
*Dan Marburger (IA), 56: Principal killed during a school shooting (2024).
*Ryan Lantz (WV), 52: Journalism teacher killed in a parking lot accident (2024).
*Kevin Garrison (NE), 56: Maintenance supervisor killed in a construction incident (2024).
*Richard Aspinwall (GA), 39: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
*Cristina Irimie (GA), 52: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
*Leah Seneng (CA), 60: Art teacher who died from a rabid bat bite sustained on campus (2024).
*Erin M. West (WI), 42: Teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
*Carol Mendiola Mooers (AK), 48: School counselor killed in a plane crash while traveling with students (2025).
