Celebrating Our Teachers

Celebrating Our Teachers

Letters of thanks to teachers who have touched the lives of their students.

A special supplement to

In collaboration with

2

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Looking beyond today

You can’t have education without hope. It’s an essential part of the job description.

Teaching children, helping them develop Tim into young adults, cannot happen if teachers Stauffer and students don’t believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. If not, what’s school Managing for? Why even show up? editor And hope is so, so necessary right now. As the world reels in horror at Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, as Europe is shattered after almost 80 years of peace, as families the world over recover from two years of so much loss from the coronavirus pandemic, we need hope desperately.

Which is why we are proud to partner with Iola Reads and local school districts to celebrate our teachers. This special section features letters from community members to educators, both current and former, who have changed their lives. We have also included the names of faculty and staff from our local school districts and Allen Community College. It takes a village.

In compiling these letters, I was struck by what matters most to students.

A smile when they walk into class. A hug when they needed it. The confidence that comes with mastering a new skill, content area, or responsibility. Being seen as people, as human beings, as valuable. Very few talked about grades; some even wrote letters thanking teachers whose class they’d flunked. To these students, the class wasn’t about math, science, or language arts. It was a more fundamental lesson in hope. In love. In building a better world.

That’s education at its best, and at its roots. From the superintendent to the crossing guard, such conviction is critical for our children to understand not just their innate value, but the value in all of us, in our democracy, and in helping build peace and equality.

Hope is what keeps teachers setting their alarms for pre-dawn hours, what keeps them grading papers as the fading afternoon light streams through the windows. It’s what leads them to quickly check in with a student after class and always be on the lookout for the next project, or field trip, or the next perfect lesson plan.

In the rush of a hectic school day, it’s easy to forget how important a job teaching is. Teachers guide our children and shape our future. For that, and for the hope they instill in our children every single day, thank you.

EDITORS Susan Lynn and Tim Stauffer

ADVERTISING & DESIGN TEAM Megan Hageman Violeta Rodriguez-Stauffer Kristi Kranker

© 2022 The Iola Register, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pencil illustration courtesy of Stephen Gilpin

Dear Ms. Megan and Ms. Chelsey, Thank you for making me feel good and happy. I love when you help me make things. I love both of my teachers so much!

Love,

Mia Middleton

Dear Ms. Megan and Ms. Chelsey, I love Ms. Megan and Ms. Chelsey. They are the best. They help me do everything. They make me feel happy. Thank you for being my friend.

Love,

Miley Middleton

Thank you for inspiring me, Mrs. Coke. You are very nice. I like how you teach me spelling. You are the best teacher.

Matrim Olson

The teacher that inspires me the most is Mrs. Storrer. She inspires me to find ways to have a good time while working, and she helps me focus on the good side of things and not the bad side. Thank you very much Mrs. Storrer.

Jim Olson

The teacher that inspires me is Mrs. Meadows because I think she is smart and sings to us to teach us.

Love,

Bryleigh Hinkle, Kindergartner at McKinley

Thank you Mrs. Stephens for being my teacher. You are nice and kind.

Love,

Kain Walter, Kindergartner at Crest

Dear Mrs. Hermreck, Thank you for teaching me this year. You are really nice and fun. I enjoy being in your class. You make learning easy and fun. I appreciate all you do for us.

From,

Kroy Walter, fourth grader at Crest

Ms. Boyd made me a better person by making me learn. She is really nice, patient and helpful. My favorite thing she taught me is math. I really like subtraction because you can pull stuff back. Thank you, Ms Boyd.

Griffin Olson

Growing up in Iola, I had the opportunity to be taught and inspired by so many amazing teachers through elementary school to junior college. From my teachers I learned about art, music, math, writing, reading, history, biology, geography, physical education, and more. But I also learned valuable critical thinking skills along with showing compassion to others and myself. What you all taught me has made my life so much the richer, and I

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

W h aT

We

LeA Rn

have tried to pass on much of what I learned from you to others.

Thank you teachers,

Nate Greenwall

Dear Mrs. Clark (Clarkie), Thank you for teaching me math and about pigs. Because of you, I discovered the Elephant and Piggy books. You were my favorite teacher because you always made things fun and exciting. I loved when you would do virtual field trips with Emily and Kaden at R Family Farms and also talked about Buddy. Thank you for being the best teacher EVER and for always encouraging me!!!!!

Love,

Brecken Bycroft

To my teachers at Crest, I couldn’t pick one teacher because I love them all. All of my teachers are nice, kind and I am friends with them all. I wish I could have them all again. I don’t have a favorite, they are all my favorite teachers! Thank you for everything!

Aubrey Ellington, fourth grader at Crest

Dear Mrs. Greenwall, Thank you for being the absolute best librarian. You were not only an amazing teacher; you were and still are an amazing friend, helper, and person.

I loved going into the elementary school library and seeing your kind smile every single time I came in. You were always so kind to me and to everybody else in the school, and you were always willing to help everyone with anything they needed, not just finding a book.

Thank you for showing how amazing books are. I loved coming to the library to hear you read stories. Your story time readings and projects gave me a love of books and a desire to read and learn. I still have a deep love for reading, books, and learning today because of you. I can never thank you enough for showing me how amazing books are and for being such an amazing teacher.

Jesse Taylor

Dear Mrs. Linn, Thank you for being the inspiration behind my desire to become a First

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

BECOMES A PART OF

3

-Kathy R. Jeffords

R H e A w o WE

Grade teacher. You showed me what a loving and caring teacher looks like not only in the classroom but outside of the class. Thank you for being one of my greatest role models and inspiring me to become a teacher at such a young age.

Thank you,

Rachel Bycroft

I have appreciated this Iola Reads project of writing a letter to thank a teacher who inspired you. It has made me ponder over my years of education as a student and as a teacher. I had many wonderful teachers, but one in particular made a great impact on my life. It was my fourth-grade teacher, Louise Brimhall Hansen at Oakridge Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

From the first day, I was impressed with Mrs. Hansen. She told us about her life and her family, but the thing that impressed me the most was that she was a REAL artist! Back then we didn’t have art specialists in elementary school, so to have a real artist as your teacher was something spectacular.

Mrs. Hansen would bring artwork she had completed to show the class.

During our art time she would have us try new techniques that she would demonstrate. Amazing!

I loved to draw, so this was heaven on earth for me.

Mrs. Hansen had recognized my love of art and she took a special interest in fostering my ability. I learned so much. One day after school, she gave me an invitation for me and my family to attend a one-man art exhibit of her work.

When that date arrived, I remembered that we got all dressed up and drove to her exhibit. It was a wonderland to me. All Mrs. Hansen’s artwork surrounded the gallery and spoke of her talent. I was so proud of her and so proud that she invited me to come, the only one from our class.

Mrs. Hansen touched my heart. She made me feel talented and special, she fostered a desire to be the best I could be, that I really mattered and had great worth.

In my teaching career, I have remembered the feelings that Mrs. Hansen inspired in me so many years ago. I wanted to be that Mrs. Hansen for my students: to make them feel special and of great worth.

Thank you, Mrs. Hansen, for teaching me so much more that reading and writing.

Thank you for inspiring me to be the best I could be.

With great love and respect,

Deb Greenwall

Mrs. Parks - my first grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary.

Coach, Mr. Wendy Frazell - my mentor when I did my student teaching, Iola, 1978.

JoAnn (McClay) French - my mother whom read to me and also when I read back to her as a young boy.

David C. French (1975)

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Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Education POWERFUL is the most

weapon which you can use to

CHANGE

the

world .

-Nelson Mandela

The teacher who has inspired me is Mrs. B., because she is nice and helpful. Thank you, Mrs. B. Your student,

Clara Bryan, third grade Lincoln Elementary

Dear Mrs. Adams, Thank you for helping me with my multiplication and for being such a great teacher. I loved having you.

Love,

Drake

Ms. Britt, Thank you for having the class store. It inspires me to be a good kid so I can earn more points to get more prizes.

Grayson Foreman, Jefferson

Mrs. Storrer, Thank you. She is fun. She has fun activities and makes learning fun. We play fun games.

Ready Set Learn preschoolers, from left, Nova Bishop, Cohen Sigg and Emery Sigg sing a song at a May 2021 USD 257 school board meeting.

REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS

Mrs. Helen Hobbingsworth, I liked to read but we didn’t have many books in our school library in LaHarpe. At that time, if you didn’t live in Iola, you had to purchase a library card. Since she lived in Iola, she had me use her card. I still have my certificate for reading many books that year. I remember the first ones I read were the “Little House on the Prairie” series.

Anonymous

Mrs. Belinsky, Aubrie Mullins loves her teacher. She thinks she is funny. Aubrie says she’s funny because Mrs. Belinsky doesn’t like loose teeth and bugs. Aubrie likes to kid with her about those things. Also, Aubrie would love to give a shout out to Mrs. Hannah. We are very thankful for the teachers in our kids’ lives. Aubrie loves going to school. We give props to Mrs. Belinsky for teaching our wild, funny, and unique daughter.

Aubrie Mullins, McKinley-K

I been lucky to have four of the greatest teachers ever. They all were very nice and supportive. They made learning fun. Thank you: Ms. Helms Mrs. D. - McKinley Mrs. Riley - Jefferson Mrs. Carlin - Lincoln

Brody Dreher

Jayden Doolittle

Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Boyd is a wonderful teacher for Jazalynn Mullins. Jazzy learns a lot in her class. Jazzy says she listens to Mrs. Boyd “most of the time.”

Jazzy says she feels comfortable in her class. Jazzy is very excited to go to school every day. We are very thankful for her teachers.

Jazalynn Mullins, Kindergarten at McKinley Elementary

Mrs. Prather, Thank you, Mrs. Prather, for inspiring me about nonfiction books and their facts and how you taught me the difference between fiction and nonfiction. Thank you,

Jyler

Dear Ms. Mitchell, I’m your student this year. My name is London Hutton. I’m writing you this letter because you’ve inspired me.

I never felt I like could read out loud or stand in front of the class until you and my mom helped me with shyness and anxiety. I now have the courage to stand in front of people and do a play. I also have learned how to do math problems broken down easier for me to understand.

I see every day how you smile. Even when some of the kids in class are being bad, you still stay happy. I have learned so much about myself in fourth grade. I’m smart, kind, creative, happy, bright and very loved by my school. You also remind me a lot of my mom. She makes me feel like everything is OK and like my life is very important, and that feeling is the same with you.

You’re so sweet and nice and make school a little bit easier. Some kids

Te aCh i N g

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Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

is

w

W

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A Ct o f s . i t m OP i Tuesday, March 8, 2022

t s e t a e the gr

m

-Colleen Wilcox

may not like school, but I love my class. I know my feelings matter and I know my teacher cares.

Sincerely,

how we had to prepare for that. I can’t remember exactly how my group made ours or if ours cracked because this was in sixth grade and I’m now in eighth and have bad memory, but it was still fun. Don’t change!

Dear Mrs. Coke, You make learning fun. You are funny. We had a pizza party. Thanks teacher.

Mrs. Turner, You have made me such a better sports player. You have taught me not to give up, even if I foul out before halftime. You have made such a successful person in sports and more. Thank you for pushing me when I was unsuccessful. I appreciate you.

London Hutton

Payton Thomas

Dear Mrs. Hoag, Thank you for teaching me art. I really liked the bubble gum machine project. That was fun.

Sincerely,

Riley McGinnis, first Grade-Jefferson

Dear Ms. Sheri, I love you! I will follow directions. You make yummy snacks. I know the letters g and f. Thank you for helping me with numbers.

Love,

Tyson Koehn, Pre-K4, Ready, Set, Learn

Thank you, Miss Turner, for teaching us in physical education class.

Ayden M.

Mrs. Westoff, Thank you for being my teacher and inspiring me to be a better person.

Thank you,

Blayke, Iola Middle School

Mrs. Manbeck, Thank you for all the fun times in class. You made me excited to go to school. I enjoyed being there.

Brandi, Iola Middle School

Dear Mr. Johnson, Thanks for being our sixth-grade science teacher. I was always happy to go to seventh hour. Not just because it was the last class of the day; you also made it fun. When we were waiting for class to start, you let us be on our computers, you gave us easy assignments or fun lab assignments. You let us sit where we wanted most of the time and when we were done, we got to do what we wanted on our computers.

The thing I remember being the most fun would be the egg drop and

Brooklyn Foxworthy, Iola Middle School

Brooklyn Holloway, Iola Middle School, seventh Grade

Dear teachers and staff members at Crest, Thank you for everything you have taught me. I could not have made it this far without your help. I am so thankful for the teachers, principals, secretaries, and Mrs. Lee our counselor, for encouraging me to learn more and work hard. I know that teachers like you are hard to find. Thank you for everything you do for us and thank you for all the time you put into teaching us. We could not have any better staff members than we have here at Crest.

Lizzie Ellington, eighth grade

Dear Ms. Pepper, Thanks for teaching me more about English. Thanks for having me while I was a handful. It was fun having you as a teacher. I know I fell behind with a lot of work, but I did try my best to keep on it. Make sure to keep doing what you love. I also hope my brother, Dean, is a good student and please teach him. Please take care of him, but also please take care of yourself.

Please keep being kind, funny, and generous, as that’s what inspired me.

This is my thank you letter for being all those things to your students.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Miller, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Holt, You make me happy all the time because you help me out in band class, and I want to say thank you for helping me out.

Love,

Estavia Genoble

Dear Crest teachers, Thank you for all you have done. I would never want to go to a different school. Thank you to Ms. Abby, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Garland, Mrs. Edgerton, Mr. Zimmerman, Mrs. Hug, Mr. Sporing, Mr. Lee, Mr. Frazell, Mr. Huser and Mr. Bubna. They are the best at Crest!

Sincerely,

Gracyn Ellington, sixth grader at Crest

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Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Education

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

is not the

FILLING

I am writing this letter to Mrs. Riebel. She has inspired me by how patient and caring she is toward her students. She also positively encourages you to do your work. She gives you lots of time to finish your work and get your grades up. She’s an amazing teacher.

Jayden Leavitt, Iola Middle School

Dear Ms. Luther, Thank you for teaching me how to draw certain things. I had my ups and downs in class when talking or hanging out with friends. Especially when I hid behind those counters with one of them. Sorry about that!

Because of you, I learned how to draw bodies and poses better. I also enjoyed being your aide. But I didn’t like reaching my hand in that recycled clay that smelled like sweaty old socks.

Your Art and Intro to Drawing was fun. Most people who took your class found it super boring, but I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.

Your favorite student,

Koda, Iola Middle School

Mrs. Graham, You were my favorite teacher in fifth grade even though I didn’t have you a lot. I’m thankful for you because you taught me a lot of things and helped me out with a lot of things.

Kollyn Wilson, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Kerr, Thank you for teaching me all this cool stuff about math! If I’m honest, your class is one of my favorites. It’s fairly easy, and you’re very nice about how you teach it. Despite the daily distractions, I still manage to learn one of the most important things that I will use in life. Thank you for being such a kind teacher. I hope you have a wonderful day after reading this!

Sincerely,

Michaela Riebel, Iola Middle School

Mrs. Turner, You really inspired me to be a better person and to try harder.

Mylie Hageman, Iola Middle School Thank you, Mrs. Heffern.

Pamela, Iola Middle School Mrs. Matney, Your class gave me an opportunity to study my dream job as a lawyer, and I found out that it was a great match for me. I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 8 years old, but your assignment made me even more sure that’s what I want to do. And yes, I’m aware I don’t even go to college for another 4-5 years, but still. And I’m pretty sure I failed your class, but that

of a pail but the

lighting of a fire.

-William Butler Yeats

was on me. You always helped me with my work and made sure that I got it done, even if it was due weeks ago. I don’t have you in class anymore, but when I did, I was very thankful to have you as a teacher.

Stasia Strunk

Mr. Boyd, I really appreciate how much you do to make your class interesting. I have a blast every hour and look forward to your class every day. You help ignite the spark that can lead to many opportunities. Thank you.

Tayten Salzwedel, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Riebel, I’m thankful for you because you make us cake and you celebrate our birthdays. You are the best teacher in the whole school, and you’re funny, kind, caring, and you tell us about our grades if we need to go ask any teachers about our work. You’re so very kind, and that’s why I’m thankful for you.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Luke, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Willis, I’m thankful for you because you always make me laugh and smile, and you give us candy and snacks. You are a funny, sweet, kind teacher whom I’m very thankful for, and you are the best teacher ever and I love your personality.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Luke, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Loveberry, I’m thankful for you because you are the funniest teacher. That’s why you’re one of my favorite teachers. And you’re also funny, kind, sweet and amazing.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Luke, Iola Middle School

Dear Mrs. Holman, John F. Kennedy says it best, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” You certainly have in mine. The time and dedication you put in for the benefit of your students is inspirational. Thank you for always impacting and believing in us.

Abigail Meiwes, tenth grade at Iola High School

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Intelligence plus

character-

t H at i s t he

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

G o al

7

o f t ru e e d u c a t io n .

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My favorite teacher from the Class of 1960 was always the band director Dale Creitz.

I was fortunate enough to play in the band and be part of the Marching Mustangs, along with being in the symphony, Debaners dance band, and playing in the town square concerts during the summers. Brings back a lot of wonderful memories.

Thank you, Dale Creitz, for that.

Albert L. Jantz

Dale Creitz was my favorite teacher.

Jackie Smith, Class of 1960

My history teacher Mr. Dale (Doc) Stiles was my favorite teacher.

It was Dale who inspired me to attain my degree in history and government, and through those studies, I was introduced to reading my Bible, which of course is the best history book ever written.

Joseph

We would like to thank Dale P. Creitz for all that he did as our Iola High School band teacher.

He not only taught us band; he taught us about life. His favorite word was THINK! Everybody knew that. He taught us to take responsibility for our actions. He taught us leadership. Seniors were there to be sure the “kids” walked the straight line. “Guide right.” Anyone remember that? Most of us took band with Mr. Creitz from seventh through twelfth grade—six years.

He had plenty of time to make an impression.

We also want to say that Don Bain was a favorite. When Don came to Iola, we liked him immediately. He was a favorite with the 1960 and 1961 classes. Don wasn’t that much older than we were. He was our chemistry teacher and even if some of us didn’t like chemistry all that much, we sure liked Mr. Bain.

We thank you, Mr. Creitz and Mr. Bain, for everything you did for us.

Mary Kay and David Heard

My favorite teacher in high school was Mr. Creitz. My high school days were in the late 1950s, and I graduated in 1960. He expected a lot of us, and we worked hard to collectively make great music. We learned that if one practices and gives 100%, it will pay off.

I played the bassoon next to Meredith Wilson in Symphonette and was a majorette in the Iola High School band. I can remember going to Symphonette practice at 7 a.m., and in the summertime, we majorettes would practice lifting our legs high to march together in front of the band along with the letter girls. We were all so proud to be members of the Symphonette and the band! Mr. Creitz loved marches and to this day I know them all. He was an unassuming man who liked to stay in the background. We loved his hard work which inspired us to do the same.

Lastly, Mr. Creitz had a favorite sign he held up during practice that said

Marvin Smith, a well-known high school chemistry teacher and running coach, molded generations of young minds and bodies at Iola High School. He worked with, among others, Tara Whitworth, center, on running techniques. Smith taught or coached in some capacity at Iola High from 1965 until 2020.

EXCERPTED FROM THE CHRONICLES OF ALLEN COUNTY; 1945-2000

“THINK.” We band members decided to surprise him on the football field at halftime by making the word THINK (with a backward K). So, instead of making the usual formations, we broke rank to spell it. He always sat up in the back row of the stands and, I’m told, he got very upset at first because he thought we had goofed up. When he realized what we had done, he was very proud. I believe this was Debbie Twadell’s idea, so all credit to her.

Mr. Creitz’s attitude has influenced me all my life and I thank him for that.

Nancy Arbuckle Henke

As a 1961 graduate of Iola High School, I was fortunate to have many very extraordinary teachers, but the one who most affected my life was Dale P. Creitz.

Thank you, faculty and staff.

YOU ARE

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Tuesday, March 8, 2022

One child,

one teacher,

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

ONE BOOK,

one pen

He instilled in me the value of discipline and teamwork, which guided me to many life successes. His insistence on “thinking,” focus and precision in every life effort has always served me well.

I have found the life lessons he taught us all to be even more valuable than skills in music. To this day, DPC and the lessons he taught come to mind almost daily. Such great memories!

Nyle D. Brown

From the time I started piano lessons at the age of 10, until I graduated from Iola High School, Mr. Creitz was my favorite teacher. I am sure that if you look up the word dignify in the dictionary, you will find Mr. Creitz’s name. My brother, Scott Mann, (Class of 54) enjoyed playing the drums for the band. His positive attitude toward the band and Mr. Creitz made me eager to join the Marching Mustangs.

When I was chosen as a majorette my sophomore year, I was so happy and proud to be a part of the Marching Mustangs. In fact I still have my boots with holes in the soles, so when I was asked to march with the alumni band several years ago to honor Mr. Creitz, I put on spandex, squeezed into my old uniform and marched around the Iola square with Mary Kay Heard and Mary Ann Creitz.

I could go on and on, but I will share one more memory. Mr. Creitz was always the Junior class sponsor. Our theme one year was Davy Jones’ locker which proved to be magical for starry eyed teenagers. I kept a life size mermaid as a memory, until my mother made me throw it in the trash.

Janice Mann Bingham, Class of 60

I have been amazingly blessed to have so many good teachers in my life.

It is hard to pick just one to thank when they all deserve thanks and praise.

Thank you, teachers! You are all amazing.

One teacher does stand out: my high school English teacher Mr. Lind. It is because of him that I majored in English in college, and he really helped foster my love of the English language and literature. I can still quote grammar rules that he taught us. I was blessed to have him for an English teacher three of my four years of high school. He was committed to teaching and blessed all our lives. Thank you, Mr. Lind, for being a teacher and blessing my life.

Jen Taylor

Mr. Charles Kerr, Thank you for never giving up on your students. You pushed us hard, and you saw what we were capable of. Your departure right before my senior year was the hardest transition ever, but I’m so thankful to have had a teacher like you for three years.

You helped me fall in love with FFA. Your teaching helped me develop confidence in public speaking and welding. Your instruction and investment made my FFA classes and events some of my favorite memories at Iola High School. Thank you for giving us your all.

CAN CHANGE the

You’re a teacher I will never forget!

world.

-Malala Yousafzai

Macayla Redmon (Bycroft)

I have always been most appreciative of my opportunity to have attended and graduated from Iola High School in 1960. Many of my fondest memories are rooted in the years spent growing up in Iola. We were so fortunate to have lived in that time of relative peace and innocence. Our teachers had incredible positive influences on us. My dad died when I was 11 years old, and several male teachers served as role models for me in ways they never knew or appreciated. Even today, I look back and draw upon those lessons taught in and outside the classrooms. Teenage years can be wonderful and exciting but also confusing and questioning. These teachers were crucial in my development, each in their own special way.

I would like to acknowledge four of my high school teachers: - Keith Akins - Don Bain - Dale “Doc” Stiles - Ed Zahn Keith Akins - my Speech teacher and Debate coach. Mr. Akins was excellent at reading students and individually focusing on skills and habits that were lacking but needed for success in academics and competitive debating. He employed humor and gentle wit to make his points with us.

I quickly learned that my attempts to BS my way through assignments did not fly. Homework was not optional with Mr. Akins; it was expected and demanded. I simply was not allowed to “coast” through class. God bless, Mr. Akins.

Don Bain - my chemistry teacher. I was perhaps the worst student in Mr. Bain’s initial year of teaching at Iola. He introduced himself on the first day of class by writing his name on the blackboard and stated, “For those of you who can read, this is my name.” I raised my hand and asked, “What is your name?” He smiled at me and politely welcomed me into his class. I was a relative failure in Chemistry but surprisingly learned more from his class than he would have known. He was kind, but firm, and it soon dawned on me that I wanted to make some effort in class, just for him, if not for me. I have since learned that some individuals are so decent and admirable that you try hard not to disappoint them or fail them, and they make you a better person in the process. I still have the honor of occasionally meeting him at events in Iola. What a gracious and committed educator! Iola has truly benefited from his contributions throughout all these years.

Dale “Doc” Stiles - my history teacher and Track coach. History has always been an interest of mine, and Mr. Stiles only reinforced my curiosity with his classroom presentations. His coverage of the Civil War was riveting but down to earth and understandable. He was a combat veteran in WWII and his first-hand accounts of key battles supplied a real perspective of the tragedy experienced and valor shown by our soldiers. I think most of his students, if listening, finished the class with a grasp of world events and an appreciation of the sacrifices made by our troops in all military engage-

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Education is the key

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

to unlocking the world,

11

-Oprah Winfrey

a passport to freedom.

ments throughout US history.

As good a teacher as he was in the classroom, Mr. Stiles excelled in coaching track and field as well. I was not the speediest in running, but I had endurance. Mr. Stiles immediately found my niche in the mile and half mile running events. He always seemed to find time for all his track athletes.

Just because you were not an outstanding performer, did not mean you were pushed aside. Coach Stiles somehow found time to observe. Coaching from observing nearby, he was able to make quick adjustments for athletes, be it the 100-yard sprint, 1 mile run or shot and discus to javelin or pole vault. Coach Stiles managed all of this with only limited additional support. Oh yes, he also managed the markings for track and field events!

He was a fine man and greatly admired by students and student athletes alike.

Ed Zahn - my Vocational Agriculture (FFA) Welding teacher. Last, but certainly not least, in my mentioning of teachers who had a profound influence on me in high school is my Vo-Ag and FFA Advisor, Mr. Ed Zahn.

Later, I learned he had served with distinction in WWII, although he never mentioned his military service. I wasn’t surprised. He was one of the humblest and kindhearted people whom I met teaching in our school. Any of his students could turn to him with any problem. His students just gravitated towards him when things were tough. He didn’t always say a lot, yet students knew he was there when he was needed, and he genuinely cared.

In those days, sometimes farm boys got teased a bit for being “Vokeys,” or FFA Guys. It wasn’t serious, but some younger or less popular boys didn’t know how to react. Mr. Zahn could just sense if someone had a struggle, and he would provide extra attention and make people feel important or included. To me, he was an unsung hero who truly deserved the appreciation and gratitude of all the school.

Mike Purdon

While in high school, I was lucky to have several teachers whose lessons have made a lasting impact on me. The first, Marv Smith, welcomed me to summer conditioning for cross country with his now legendary stories, bad jokes and jugs of Gatorade perched on his truck’s tailgate. I was the new kid, but his ability to create a team, to bring kids together around a positive vision, and to nudge me to push myself, extended well beyond sports.

The second was Mary Ann Dvorachek. While a student in her English class, she offered us windows into worlds far from our own. We explored literature that challenged us with both the foreign and the familiar. The windows turned into mirrors, and the 17-year-old me was forced to really examine who I was and what type of world I wanted to live in. All of this in her quiet, gentle manner.

And then Diane Kauth, whose love of learning was contagious. Her passion for math made me interested not just in calculus, but to also join in searching for answers and working together. I still remember the study groups my classmates and I formed. It was fun to work hard and learn.

Such an important lesson.

And then David Dutton, who was my speech and forensics teacher. He was honest, kind and demanding. That combination brought out the best in us.

I’m thankful for them, and for all teachers who give their time to our children.

Tim Stauffer

Dear Mrs. Holt, I want to take a moment to address my appreciation. For stepping in and fulfilling a role that takes patience, dedication and perserverance. Thank you for being there to not only teach and educate, but also being a friend.

You have helped me and countless others improve throughout our years of band. You have challenged me, and shown me my potential. It takes someone special to be a teacher. Thank you for being mine.

Madeleine Wanker, ninth grade at Iola High School

Dear Mr. Wilhelm, You have inspired me and dozens of other students at IHS this past year to be great. The way you’ve shaped a simple weight room to be a place of passion, dedication, and teamwork has never ceased to amaze me and I strongly believe that all of my peers would agree with me. You have only been teaching here for a little under a year and I cannot wait to see how you help us achieve greatness-- and I dare say, perfection, for the rest of my high school career. We thank you.

Max Andersen, ninth grade at Iola High School

Over the past fifteen months, Project Bookshelf has given folks the opportunity to recognize special people in their lives by purchasing a new book for the new Iola Elementary School Library in their honor. During that time we have had several books purchased to honor teachers. Some have included notes to share their thoughts. Below are a few of those notes.

Hello, I would like to donate to Project Bookshelf to provide books for the new Elementary School. This donation is made in honor of five teachers who made an impact of my life. They instilled in me a love of reading and learning that has lasted a lifetime. Please choose the topic(s) that are needed most.

I would like to donate “A Book to Honor”: Mrs. Vera Pierce, third grade, Lincoln Elementary School 1960s Mrs. Louise Chamberlin, sixth grade, Lincoln Elementary School 1960s Mr. Ray Houser, ninth grade, Iola Middle School 1960s Mr. Paul Swearingen, tenth grade, Iola High School 1970s

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Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

They may forget but they will not what you said, forget how you

Mr. Harry Lee, tenth grade, Iola High School 1970s A $50 donation in honor of each person is the only way I can think of to show my gratitude for what they taught me so long ago. I hope this gift helps to foster a love of reading and learning in another generation of students.

Sincerely,

Anonymous

W

made them

feel.

-Carl W. Buechner

the shapes in my environment and interpret that to make pleasing compositions in my art. I use those lessons and ideas every day in my current career as a graphic artist.

In class, Mr. Greenwall would talk of his own art career and of life. In doing so, he made me realize how hard work and dedication can lead to satisfaction and happiness in your life and career. I will always remember the impact he had on my life. He made me really believe in myself and what I was capable of. Mr. Greenwall was a great teacher, and I am proud he was one of mine.

-Kristi (Foster) Kranker

While attending Allen Community College from 1998 to 2000, I had the honor of being taught in my art classes by Mr. Steven Greenwall. In my mind, he was one of those inspiring teachers who, if you let yourself, was capable of really making a difference in the lives of their students. He pushed me to really look at the world and challenged me to effectively see

WOODSON

USD 366 SCHOOL DISTRICT Faculty and Staff Katie Arnold-Shields Shannon Ashlock Gina Audiss Cindy Baker Kevin Barnes Haley Bishop Samantha M. Bishop Janet Brilke Amy Brown Anneliese Brubaker Kristen Cagle Chris Cavender Abbie Collins Bridget Combs Cheryl Cook Bailey Cradduck Elizabeth Cullison Carrie Cummings Rebecca Cunningham Joann Curtis Shelley A. Davis Jeanie Dempsay

Patty Dick Hope M. Dixon Dan Edwards Alexa Eisenbart Kimberly Estes Linda Evans Karen Faulkner Kayla Floyd Crista Foster Chessa Fountain Ashley Garrett Jason Graf Bonnie Greer Brandi Grisier Karl R. Hamm Kathe J. Hamman Angela Hancock Mark Hartwig Sarah Henderson-Hodges Ambrea Hendrickson Jamin Nichole Hess Cindi J. Hoag Ronica Hoag Tamra Hockman

TEACHERS AND STAFF District Office

101 West Butler • Yates Center, Kansas • 620-625-8804

Lisa Holloway Glenda M. Howard Rick Hurst Alyssa Jacobs Collette Jacobs Raegan Jacobs Dane M. Johnson Lori Johnson Carol Karmann Kari King Stephanie Larson Kris Lettenmaier Julie Luthi Amy Madison Amy Marsh Langley Martin Amy McConaghie Michael McCullough Kyle McGee Rachel McGee Valerie McGee Rex D. McVey Tammy Mentzer Crystal Morris

Gary Morris Nicole Morris Trent Morrison Jeremy Neville Marla Newman Toni O’Hare Nacole Olson Kebra Panko Ryan Panko Steven Pegram Alicia Pepper Terra Petit Diana L Plegge Shiela Proper Lesa M. Rau Tabrizia Righini Cherokee Shaffer Jeanie Shaffer Staci Slater Rebecca Spencer Stephanie Splechter Tasha Steele Angela Stoner Carol Stuber

Matt Stuckey Sheri Sturgill Sharon Suske Lisa Swart Kayla Taylor Blake Turner Hannah Turner Scott A. Wendland Stephanie Wendland John Rice Dan Edwards Randy Holderman Cindy Holderman Jackie Salas Danny Karmann Ted Milner Judy Cuppy Tonya Cuppy Karleen Jackson Trent Morrison Lorie Smith

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

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THANK Y U TEACHERS AND STAFF! TO ALL OUR

Administration Matthew G. Baumwart Scott Carson Jason Coke Brad Crusinbery Stacey Fager Andrew Gottlob Jenna Higginbotham Tiffany Koehn Angela M. Linn

Instructional Staff Catherine L. Adams Julie Ashworth Jason Bates Tanya Belinski Amanda Belknap Deana K Bittinger Mark A. Boyd Michelle Boyd Gabrielle Brite Kendra Britt Marilyn Bumstead Laura Caillouet-Weiner Terri A. Marlin Cynthia Lee Barr Xoe Cauthers Jan Chandlee Regina Chriestenson Tracy Coke Emily Crabtree Virginia L. Crane Mikaela Crotchett Stacey Crusinbery Elizabeth Cunningham Dana Daugharthy David Daugharthy Catherine Dean Katie Ellis Scott Ellis Robin Eshelman Cynthia Kay Fehr Breanna Lynnette Floyd Karen Graham Linda Ruth Heffern Travis Hermstein Anthony J. Herrick Gale Hoag Brandi Holt Taylor Huffman Kelsey Johnson Kendy Johnson Lake Johnson

Instructional Staff cont.

Holly Karhoff Dianne R. Kauth Camille Herr Marilyn C. Kipp Darci Lisher Heather Luedke Grace Luther Lissa J. Manbeck Kimberly Matney Callie McGhee Jacquelin Lynne McIntyre Shelly Marie Meadows Julie Mileham Callie Minor Anna E. Mitchell Carla Anne Mueller Jalaune Nelson Rachel Palmer Addison Prather Tammy J. Prather Karen Price Pamela J. Riebel Tiffany Riley Katelyn Rogers Laura Schinstock Donavan W. Settlemyer Daryl Sigg Emily Sigg Stacy Sprague Melissa Stiffler Gina Storrer Shelly Strickler Amanda Strickler-Holman Tony P. Tabares Christy G. Thompson Jessica Thompson Cristy Turner Christopher Weide Aubrey Westhoff Lisa Wicoff Ben Wiehn Angela D. Wilhelm Michael J. Wilhelm Elizabeth Willie

Staff Melvin R. Akin Patricia Akin Randy Ator Judy Baker Kristin Barnett Billy Beckmon

Staff cont.

Thomas E. Belinski Christopher Belknap Beth Bonnett Marcie Boring Lois Brueseke Don Burns Jenifer Bycoft Terry Campbell Donna Carpenter Paul Carson Robert Cheney Victoria C. Chenoweth Elvin Lewis Clark Danielle Cleaver Kathleen Clubine Aaron B. Cole James Cole Ethan Collins John Collins Susan Cook Jana Corbin Sarah Covey Rick Crowell Rebekah Daugharthy Shelby Dawson Shari Day Kyle I. Depaola Mary Jo Dickerson Brian Donovan Jack Ellis Trevor Freelove Nicki Gossett Gabriel Gregg Kyleigh Hamlin Johanna E. Harris Amanda E. Herb Penny Herder John D. Higginbotham Ronnie J. Higginbotham Stella Higinbotham Darryl J. Hutchinson Jesse Hutton Warren Lynn Johnson Steven Jones Jeff Jordan Daniel J. Kays Iridian Klaassen David Lero Gale Ludlum Peggy Luken Roxanna Luttress Kelci Maier

Staff cont.

Jordan M. Maloney Tina Martin Nick W. McAnulty Mona S. Melvin Amanda Moyer Cynthia Newland Donna Orth Angela Petty Ronda Poffenbarger Richard E. Powell Sharon Powell Cara Roach Carmen Shafer Tabitha Simpson Patricia Spencer Briahna Stiffler Staci Talkington Angela Tatman Jana Taylor Martin D. Taylor Teresa J. Taylor Lea Thomas Jacque Thummel Angela Turner Wendell Vest Susan Walters Andrea K. Weide Robert J. West Mark Whitney Chi Wiggin Kevin R. Wood Mercede R. Wools Phyllis Young

IOLA

USD 257

SCHOOL

DISTRICT TEACHERS AND

STAFF District Office 305 N. Washington Iola, Kansas 620-365-4700

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Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THANK Y U TEACHERS AND STAFF! TO ALL OUR

Administration Dr. Amber Wheeler John Johnson Staci Hudlin Ron James

Counseling Staff Misti Czarnowsky Wayne Hodgson Darcia Croisant

HUMBOLDT

USD 258 SCHOOL

DISTRICT

School Nurse Wendy Froggatte Hanna Wimsett

I.T. Directory Sarah Walls

Clerical Staff Paula Kovacic Anna Cole Cathy Baughn Karin Defebaugh Sara Ellis Sarah Hart

Virtual School

TEACHERS AND

STAFF

801 New York Street Humboldt, Kansas (620) 473-3121

Jody Siebenmorgen Jessica Burnett Sarabeth Larue Eryn Sell Katelyn Meiwes

High School Instructional Staff Grace Bazil Eric Carlson Krystal Mann Jessica Greenfield

High School Instructional Staff cont.

Bret Hauser Kim Heslop Kim Isbell Aubrey Jones Callee Kaufman Terry Meadows Scott Murrow Robert Myers Gracie Newman Jerome Riebel Teri Shaughnessy Jason Weilert Logan Wyrick Janea Umbarger

Middle School Instructional Staff Scott Brady Jalynn Guiot Melissa Genoble Kristal Mann Michael Miller Natalie Mueller Hannah Robinson Jeremy Weilert Julie Weilert

Elementary Instructional Staff Corinna Adams Helen Boyd Sarah Cunningham Krissy Cook Haley Elison Jennifer Gustafson Hanna Lucas Jordan Mason Alexandra Moerlien Gretchen Murrow Teresa Nickell Autumn Nicholson Mikeala Platt David Taylor Cara Thomas Baylea Thompson Amy Welch Bonnie Welch Maggie Wyrick

Pre-school Instructional Staff/ Aides Danielle Smith Faith Taylor Sharon Bauer

Teachers Aides/Tutors Sydney Barker Shannon Beach Marilyn Dooley Heather Daniels Mitchel Dewey Cari Gray Lori Goodell Linda Honas Lizzie Krone Kayla Manion Jamie Wolfe

Library Aide Stephanie Schomaker Tricia Greve

ANW Co-op Paras Meredith Friedrich Ronda Heck Colleen Cady Nicole Fink Mistie Deal Tina Mader Courtney Coy Carrie Cady-Spletcher Kiersten King Kilea Heslop Shawna Puckett Brittany Haskin

Food Service Cristal Daugherty Debbie Griggs Debbie Jones Cindy Riebel Krista Tidd Jenna White Lifen Willey Janelle Yelm

Custodial Staff Terry Piper Wesley Baker

Custodial Staff cont.

Wade Bailey Dennis Cheney Andrew Covey Troy Heslop Gilbert Holden Michael Ysusi

Safety Staff Sydney Barker Wayne McDown

Transportation Staff Terry Piper Bill Klotzbach Tom Long Carolyn North Mel North Ed Foster Cari Gray Shellie Murrow

Substitute Bus Drivers Shelli Murrow Carolyn North Cari Gray Layne Sterling

Board of Education Members Josh Wrestler Tony Works Sandy Whitaker Nathan Ellison Drake Tilman Ashley Johnson Joyce Allen

Celebrating Our Teachers 2022

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

15

THANK Y U TEACHERS AND STAFF! TO ALL OUR

CREST

MARMATON VALLEY

USD 256 SCHOOL DISTRICT

USD 479 SCHOOL DISTRICT

TEACHERS AND STAFF

TEACHERS AND STAFF

District Office

District Office

128 W. Oak • Moran, Kansas • 620-237-4250 Administration Kim Ensminger Brian Campbell

High School Instructional Staff Janelle Allee Kelci Botts Gavin Cole Jacqueline Gabbert Angelea Heim Rayna Kidd Kaylan Lawson Halie Luken Mike McEwan Byron Marshall Robert Owens Mari Hill Stephen Smith Lori Stephens Joyce Storrer Dan Uhlrich Bill Wilson

Elementary Instructional Staff Kristi Borth Melinda Ferguson

Instructional Staff cont.

Lisa Cloud Heather Wools Michelle Walton Janet Shadden Rhonda King Jennifer Louk Janelle Allee Gavin Cole Bill Wilson Jenny Spillman Ann Weston Brenda Mills Bailey Goodman Alyssa Blevins Desirae Blythe Stephanie Larson Halie Adams Teri Johnson Heather Larsen

Staff Sherry Henry Cynthia Johnson

603 E. Broad • Colony, Kansas • 620-852-3540 Administration Lynette Prasko Sharon Frazell Holly Ellington Travis Hermreck Shane Walter

Instructional Staff Bethany Fornelli Brenda Stephens Kaitlyn Cummings Reagan Parks Stephanie Edgerton Abby Hermreck Steve Zimmerman Kelly Ball Lori Garland Tish Hug Dakota Sporing Austin Lee Anna Allen Bree Walter Kyle Huser Zach Mason Caitlin Callaway Beth Zimmerman Steve Bubna Megan Mason Caleb Powelson Craig Frazell

Counselor Bailey Lee

Aides Brenna Hammond Debbie Wools

Aides cont.

Marilyn Thexton Melissa Rhodes Maria Rodriguez Connie Reiter Katie Yoder Ann Bruce Jeneal Bain Melissa Francis

Technology Jeremy Dupont

Food Service Cindy Rhodes Connie Johnston

Custodial Staff Mark Wiley Dixie Ward Dennis Rhodes Garry Hayden

Transportation Staff Zac Edgerton Nancy Ellington Terri Louk Arlene Gilliland Tim Osborn Fred Blevins

Staff Les Gilliland Cindy Boots

Instructors allencc.edu | 620-365-5116

Instructional Staff Ryan Alexander Jeffrey Anderson Trevor Belt Ryan Bilderback Nicci Denny Steve Dodson Terri Fahnstock Adrienne Fleming Nancy Ford Todd Francis Erik Griffith Mike Higgins Doug Joseph Sally Kittrell Sharon Lawless Tracy Lee Amy Lemer Michael Marsh Karen McKarnin Susan McKinnis Sherry Miller Erin O’Keefe Jose Perez Reisler Amy Pietan Terry Powelson Travis Robb Tera Schultz Steve Sodergren Clint Stoy Bruce Symes Beth Toland Melanie Wallace Jon Wells Christa Zeigler

Every child deserves a champion —an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.

- Rita Pierson

We believe in our local schools and those who commit themselves to our children. We reward teachers with a premium account that offers CNB&T’s excellent service coupled with many free banking products, including: • Unlimited checking • No monthly service charge • Free checks • .25% rate deduction on consumer loan products with auto debit • Much, much more

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