By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A Hays music teacher will be inducted into the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.
Gloria Blackwell has been a vocal music teacher for 48 years, 26 of those with the Hays school district.
Blackwell was honored at the Hays USD 489 school board meeting on Monday. The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be inducted during a ceremony on June 3 in Dodge City.
Anita Scheve, Wilson Elementary School principal, nominated Blackwell for the honor and read her nomination at the school board meeting Monday.
During her tenure, Blackwell has become a passionate advocate for arts education across the state, Scheve said.
"She tirelessly advocates for children," Scheve said. "She goes above and beyond what is expected to build excellence in her students by leading special singing groups, arranging community performances and writing grants to procure instruments so students can have other opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise.
"That experience helps our students broaden their musical knowledge and experiences and engagement."
She said Blackwell's students are well prepared to pursue music classes at the middle school and beyond.
"She utilizes lots of genres, lots of instruments but also incorporates a unifying theme," Scheve said. "She creatively engages and motivates students to a very high degree. ...
"She seeks out opportunities for students to make real-life connections to music. Perhaps more notable is the importance that Gloria places on relationships with each student.
"Her love of students is as palpable and her love of students helps her build strong relationships that support and strengthen the child in all aspects of life by being that person that they know believes in them."
Scheve said Blackwell's legacy is broad, her impact is immeasurable and her scope is irreplaceable.
Blackwell said she truly loves her students.
"I say they are all mine. It makes me sad when I think I haven't reached someone. I keep trying. I guess that is why I am still here. It's who I am, and it's what I do. I love what I do," she said.
Blackwell was honored as the Hays Post Teacher of the Month in March 2o21.
In 1977, the first state hall of fame for teachers was established in Dodge City. Since its inception, more than 450 exemplary educators have been inducted into the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame.
Each year, nominations are accepted from each of the 12 districts in Kansas. The state selection committee meets in March to review the candidates and complete the selection process.
The inductees must meet the highest of standards, including evidence of outstanding teaching, evidence of positive interactions with the students and parents; qualities that set him/her apart from other educators; the continued pursuit of educational opportunities throughout their career; a willingness to share ideas by conducting workshops classes, etc. for parents, teachers, and involvement in community activities; educational recognition and awards; and a philosophy of education that is a positive example for others, according to the Kansas Teacher Hall of Fame.
Additionally, nominees must have been a K-12 teacher for a minimum of 25 years in Kansas.
This year's other inductees include:
• Mickey Bogart, Manhattan
• Roger Diekmann, Woodbine
• Demetre Evangelidis, Smith Center
• Russell "Rusty" Allan Hilst, Hutchinson
• Mark Meyer, Trunpa
• Kimberly Stoppel, Russell
• Dan Whisler, Hutchinson