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| Clockwise from top left: Jennifer Wahlers, Homer C. Sherman, Donald Adkins, John Wredling. |
DeKalb — On Saturday December 1st, The Blackwell History of Education Museum, Northern Illinois University, recognized four educators— Jennifer Wahlers, Donald Adkins, Homer C. Sherman, and John Wredling—during its annual “Honoring Teachers” ceremony, reception, and art exhibit, “Country School Memories.” Nomination letters describing the educational accomplishments of the honorees were read to an audience of more than 60 people, after which visitors were invited to view the exhibit.
Jennifer Wahlers was honored for her ability to inspire and develop the artistic ability of children in the District 158 schools of Huntley and Lake-in-the Hills. Wahlers teaches 14 classes of children in kindergarten through third grade, including special education and autistic classes. Eighty-eight pictures by the children depicted outdoor and indoor scenes of country schoolhouses.
Donald Adkins was honored for his work with the children of Mooseheart. Located in Mooseheart, Illinois and called “the city of children,” Mooseheart is a community and educational facility for children whose families have suffered tragedies, such as the death of one or more parents.
Homer C. Sherman, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations, was honored for a career that included teaching in Australia, Iowa and Illinois, and serving as an educational consultant in Nigeria. He was also recognized for his ability to stimulate new knowledge in other professors and especially to nurture the development of his daughter.
John Wredling was recognized for his contributions to educational developments in Kane County including the implementation of the consolidation of local school districts into functioning districts in the 1950s.
The Blackwell Museum has honored a total of 12 teachers and displayed the artwork of over 100 public schoolchildren during the past three years.
“Reading the letters of nomination for the teachers and viewing the creative work of the schoolchildren are very rewarding aspects of museum work,” said Lucy Townsend, Curator of the museum. “We plan to continue these activities for many years.”