Ninety teachers from 32 states.
Seven teachers from Kansas.
One from Emporia.
And all are housed in the only National Teachers Hall of Fame in the United States, located right here in Emporia, Kansas.
It’s easy to see why. Since 1863, Emporia has been a national leader in the education and training of teachers through the Emporia State University Teachers College. And as the home of the National Teachers Hall of Fame since 1989, it is important that our community support and celebrate this prestigious landmark.
A non-profit organization aimed at recognizing our country’s exceptional educators is holding its 18th annual fundraising auction Thursday at the new Emporia State Federal Credit Union on Industrial Road and 24th Avenue. After losing several key sponsors recently, the Hall of Fame is depending more than ever on private donations to continue its legacy of honoring the very best teachers.
Starting at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, donors can bid on a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including:
• A 2009-10 team-signed KU basketball;
• Autographed shoes from NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer;
• An autographed photo of Kansas City Chiefs player Dwayne Bowe, No. 82;
• Condominium stays in Florida and North Carolina;
• Items from local artists including John Forsythe, Cecil and Lisa McKinzie and Millard Harrell;
• A variety of culinary delights from popular local cooks and bakers including Lindy Whetzel’s shrimp boil for eight, Marilyn Buchele’s homemade ice cream, Kathy Brich’s homemade peanut brittle, Sally Conard’s lasagna and Jeannie Jenkins’ homemade cookies.
According to Henry Adams, “Teachers affect eternity, no one can tell where their influence stops.”
That is certainly true.
But as a community with such a strong history of equipping many of our nation’s teachers to be those exceptional influencers, it would be a shame if inadequate funding prohibited us from providing a special place where they can be properly honored.
All teachers deserve our gratitude. In honor of one who has positively influenced your life, take part in the Hall of Fame auction Thursday or send in a contribution. It will be more than a donation to the Hall of Fame; it will be an investment in our country’s outstanding teachers of tomorrow.
Ashley Knecht Walker
Editor
Note: The live auction will be broadcast from 6:05 to 10 p.m. Thursday on KVOE-AM 1400 and Cable One Channel 20.