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June Harless Hall of Fame inductions highlight achievements in education
Gov. Joe Manchin III, was inducted into Marshall UniversityÕs June Harless Center for Educational Research and DevelopmentÕs Hall of Fame dinner Wednesday at the John Marshall Room of the Memorial Student Center.
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HUNTINGTON -- Educators from across the state met at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center on Wednesday for the June Harless seventh annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Gov. Joe Manchin III, Jack McClanahan and Rosalyn Templeton were inducted into Marshall University's June Harless Center for Educational Research and Development's Hall of Fame at the special event.
Manchin received the agency award while Templeton, dean of Marshall's College of Education and Human Services, received the teacher award, and McClanahan, deputy superintendent for the West Virginia Department of Education, received the education award.
While McClanahan said it was nice to be recognized, the greatest reward for his 40 years of work in education is knowing much of it will benefit his 9-year-old granddaughter. Much of McClanahan's recent work has focused on getting funding into programs like Global 21, formerly 21st Century Schools.
"I helped put that vision into place," McClanahan said.
He expects the system will continue to change to meet the needs of individual students and prepare them to apply the lessons taught in school to the real world. He said seeing the many changes, from blackboards to interactive white boards and the Internet, has been exciting.
"I really think we have the right vision for public education now," he said.
Even as the many people gathered reflected on accomplishments of the past, they also spoke of challenges ahead.
As a strong foundation is built in schools across America, educators must continue to mobilize support for higher education, said Stephen J. Kopp, Marshall University president.
"Without it, you are looking at a future that is grim at best," he said.
Stan Maynard, director of the June Harless Center and associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said the annual event is a great way to reflect on education innovations statewide and at Marshall.
"We just try to recognize people who are improving the state of West Virginia in a very positive way in education," he said. "This is always the highlight of the year."
Two West Virginia teachers also were honored at the event with the Harless Distinguished Teacher Award.
Robin Ellis teaches 10th and 12th grade English at Gilbert High School in Mingo County and said she was honored to be chosen for the award. Having traveled across the state for seminars and training, Ellis said she's seen just how many great educators are working in West Virginia.
"It's certainly an honor knowing there are so many wonderful teachers," she said.
Teacher April Adams also received the award.
