17 Hamilton area educators to be honored this week

A total of 17 educators will be recognized when the annual Harry T. Wilks “Hamilton Celebrates Education” event is celebrated for the 15th year on Oct. 19 at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Each educator will receive a piece of custom glass art made by InsideOut Studio and the $1,000 grant for use in their classroom or school.

The 2017 “Hamilton Celebrates Education” Educators of Excellence are:

  • Rachel Ahonen, Intervention Specialist/Teacher, Bridgeport Elementary
  • Sharon Berger, Fifth Grade Math/Science Teacher, Linden Elementary
  • Kristie Bunger, Speech and Language Pathologist, Brookwood Elementary
  • Mindee Callahan, Student and Family Support Specialist, Ridgeway Elementary
  • Elizabeth Carlson, Science Teacher, Hamilton High School
  • Sue Ernst, Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher, Crawford Woods Elementary
  • Laura Francisco, First Grade Teacher, Immanuel Lutheran School
  • Stephanie Geiger, Eighth Grade Math Teacher, Wilson Middle School
  • Heather Hart, Kindergarten Teacher, St. Peter in Chains
  • Emily Howard, Art Teacher, Highland Elementary
  • Susan Lindsey, Kindergarten Teacher, St. Ann Catholic School
  • Joseph Muhlberg, Eighth Grade English Language Arts Teacher, Garfield Middle School
  • Allison Perkins, Kindergarten to First Grade Transition Teacher, Riverview Elementary
  • Rhonda Shepherd, Intervention Teacher, St. Joseph Consolidated School
  • Robin Szary, English Language Arts Teacher/Intermediate Literacy Coach, Fairwood Elementary
  • Sara Thompson, English Teacher, Stephen T. Badin High School
  • Karlen Topping, Library Media Specialist, Hamilton Freshman School

Harry T. Wilks, a local attorney and benefactor, passed away in March 2014 at the age of 89. A 1943 graduate of Hamilton High School, Wilks was a longtime donor and supporter of charitable causes in the community. Having a lifelong belief in the importance of education, Wilks established a fund at the Foundation to provide program grants and honor dedicated educators. A tireless supporter of the arts, Wilks brought international recognition to the community by establishing Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

The Hamilton Community Foundation is a public charity committed to improving the quality of life for the Greater Hamilton community and its residents. Founded in 1951 with one $5,000 fund, the Foundation now manages more than 700 charitable funds.

About the Author