The National Teachers Hall of Fame has added ten new members to its illustrious list of inductees.
Induction week activities in Emporia concluded Friday evening inside the Memorial Ballroom at Emporia State University with the 30th induction ceremony. Amongst the 2022 class of inductees was Sergio de Alba of Los Banos, California.
He says the welcome he and his fellow inductees have received in Emporia is unlike anything else he has ever experienced.
Robert Fenster of Hillsborough, New Jersey, says the reverence and support Emporia shows for educators is something he would like to see in all communities across the country.
Leila Kubesch of Norwood, Ohio, says after a week of being celebrated in Emporia, she is hoping for an opportunity to return the favor in the near future.
After what has been a difficult three years for the education profession, Kareem Neal of Phoenix, Arizona, says it warms his heart to see that there are still so many who care and appreciate the work that educators do on a regular basis.
Christopher Poulos of Redding, Connecticut, says the title of hall of famer is not one he takes lightly. He says it is an honor he accepts not only for himself but for all educators.
In addition to the 2022 class, members of the 2020 Hall of Fame class were also honored Friday night after COVID-19 postponed induction activities multiple times over the past few years.
2020 inductee Andrew Beiter of Springville, New York, says this past week was well worth the wait.
Donna Gradel of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, says Emporia has a higher level of appreciation for education than she has seen anywhere else and it is a “refreshing” sight.
Dr. Melissa Collins of Memphis, Tennessee, says being amongst the “elite” in education is a dream come true.
Thomas Knab of East Amherst, New York, says being in Emporia the past week has recharged his passion for education.
Jamil Siddiqui of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, says he is grateful for the opportunity he has had to build new relationships with his fellow inductees. He says relationships are a key component of being successful in the classroom.
Friday’s ceremony followed the annual rededication of the National Memorial to Fallen Educators Friday morning. Details on that ceremony are available by clicking here.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
