Note of gratitude
Ken Bingman, Overland Park
Monday, July 20, 2009
ON JUNE 17, five inductees of the National Teachers Hall of Fame arrived in Emporia for two days of activities and celebrations culminating with a banquet and induction ceremony on Friday evening. The soon-to-be members of NTHF came from KY, PA, VA and Overland Park, KS. Each teacher was accompanied by family and friends to attend this once-in-lifetime celebration.
Driving into town, it was abundantly clear from the banners and announcements on signs posted in numerous places that the city had gone the extra mile to make us feel special and welcome. This by itself would have been sufficient recognition.
However, during the next two days there was an outpouring of friendliness, generosity, and caring, by the citizens of Emporia, including our host families, that was overwhelming. As we moved about the city to attend and participate in special events such as “Talk of Emporia” on KVOE Radio Station, enjoying marvelous music and hospitality during the Emporia Municipal Band Concert in Fremont Park, and shopping downtown, meeting the people was a surprising and wonderful addition to our induction celebration. Special thanks go to Mayor Jeff Longbine, for officially proclaiming June 19, as NTHF Day.
As we were leaving, all of the “out-of-towners” raved about how this city had gone all-out to welcome us in ways that touched our hearts forever.
It is clear that it takes more than a village to make Hall of Fame teachers feel so special and welcome. It takes a city like Emporia, Teacher Town USA, to walk the walk of consummate hospitality.
We all love you too, and we shall never forget all of what you so generously did for each of us.
Words are insufficient to express our gratitude, but again, thank you so much.
Ken Bingman
Overland Park