For her outstanding contributions as a teacher, Ruth Pickett Smith is honored on the Donor’s Wall of Fame by the Emporia Counselors of Emporia, Kansas.
According to the Counselors: Ruth Smith is a delightful person with a radiant smile. She related well to people of all ages on both personal and professional levels. She cares deeply and treats people fairly. She is perceptive, intelligent and always has a positive attitude. Ruth is very family-oriented and cherishes time spent with her children and grandchildren. She is a joy to know. Ruth Pickett Smith, whose career spanned 22 years, taught secondary and post-secondary school at the Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, Kansas. She has also worked as a counselor and in commercial food service. For his outstanding contributions as a teacher and principal, Jeff is recognized on the Donors’ Wall of Fame by Timmerman Elementary PTO of Emporia, Kansas.
Jeff D. Frye graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 1993. He received his Master of Education degree from Wichita State University in 1999. He taught 6th grade at Valley Center Junior High School for one year, and then taught 3rd grade for four years at Maize Elementary School in Maize, Kansas. Jeff Frye was a principal for the Emporia School District for six years from the fall of 1999, to the spring of 2005. He began his administrative career at Mary Herbert Elementary, where he was principal for four year. Mary Herbert Elementary closed when a newly constructed elementary school was built. Jeff and his staff moved to this new school, Grant F. Timmerman Elementary. He opened the doors to Timmerman Elementary on September 2, 2003, where he served as principal for two years. Upon being hired by USD253, Jeff wasted no time in becoming actively involved with the workings of the district and in the community itself. Through his six years, he served on many district committees as well as being a member of Leadership Emporia. He was never afraid to jump into discussions drawing worthy points to the forefront. Jeff was known for his professional manner in working with staff and parents. He possessed the strength and decisiveness necessary to efficiently lead. He never backed down from tough situations. He was willing to listen to both sides and make his decisions based on what was best for the students and the school as a whole. He was dedicated to his staff, students, and parents. Jeff had a passion and enthusiasm for learning that he modeled for both staff and students. He was well read on strategies of learning, and never expected his staff to implement new curriculum without he, himself going through the same trainings. He encouraged staff to share their ideas and successful teaching experiences with each other so all students could benefit. He encouraged his staff to continually grow in their knowledge and comfort levels when new programs were implemented. While Jeff was our principal, his motto to students and staff was, “Work Hard and Have Fun” He followed the motto himself, always willing to work hard putting in many hours outside of the normal workday to ensure everything was well planned, organized, and completed in a timely fashion. Jeff also shared his uplifting sense of humor with students and staff. He was energetic and creative, which allowed him to live by his motto. As energetic as Jeff was, he also knew when to be quiet and patient. He had the talent to gain the students’ attention while speaking softly. With very few words he earned the most respect from them. He also gained the respect of community members with his involvement and with the quiet rapport he shared with his students. Many a visitor witnessed the respect students had for Mr. Frye when he stepped in front of the assemblies. There was never a need to raise his voice or ask them to settle down. Students wanted to please him. He encouraged them to achieve by personally caring about them. Even when students were in trouble, they knew he was dealing with the situation that brought them in his office and that he truly cared about them as people. Jeff was firm but fair and above all, caring. All students were inspired to do their best by his belief in them, no matter what obstacles or hardships stood in their way. For her outstanding contributions as an eighth grade science teacher, Betty is recognized on the Donors’ Wall of Fame by Joseph H. McCoy of St. Augustine, Florida.
Betty was instrumental in developing my talents in the natural sciences. Through her guidance I participated in science fairs, later majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. After college I worked at the same high school where Betty served as a guidance counselor. There I taught Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Botany, and Genetics. For the past 24 years, I have worked for IBM. Betty provided a strong foundation for my success in all future science-related endeavors. For his outstanding contributions as a chemistry, physical science, math, and social studies teacher, Darrell is recognized on the Donors’ Wall of Fame by Marie C. Wood of Emporia, Kansas.
According to Marie: “I have been married to Darrell 56 years and know how dedicated he was to education. He always tried his best to help students improve themselves and reach their goals. He enjoyed everything about teaching and I feel he really deserves to be honored in the Donors’ Wall of Fame.” Darrell was a professor at Emporia State University for forty-four years. He taught in Lee’s Summit and Raytown, MO and was Superintendent in Bronson, KS. For her outstanding contributions as a Special Education teacher, Cheryl is recognized on the Donors’ Wall of Fame by Ron, Jim, Rick, and Mike.
We are proud of our little sister. You are a special daughter, sister, wife, and mother, but it is your dedication to being a special teacher that makes you big in the eyes of your brothers. Cheryl Kratzberg teaches special education of Prairie View School, USD362, in LaCygne, Kansas. |
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January 2024
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