SAWYER TEACHER RECIPIENT OF
LIVING HISTORY FARMS’ INAUGURAL HONOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25th, 2010

For more information contact
Valerie Terando
Ames Community Schools
515.268.6650
valerie.terando@ames.k12.ia.us

AMES—Ames Community School District’s second grade teacher Veralynn Schilling was bestowed an honor no other teacher in Iowa has been given.  The Sawyer Elementary School teacher has been named Living History Farms’ (LHF) first Teacher of the Year.

Schilling received the award October 16, while attending a Haunted Hoe Down at Living History Farms. This award recognizes the efforts of a teacher who strives to bring history to life for students by incorporating a Living History Farms program or tour into his/her curriculum.  According to information released by the organization, Schilling has taken more than 800 students on field trips to Living History Farms in the past 34 years.  Schilling says she recalls having a photo taken at Living History Farms with her colleagues, their first grade students, and with Dr. Bill Murray, founder of Living History Farms, nearly forty years ago, when it first opened to the public.

Ruth Haus, President of Living History Farms says, “Our mission highlights the importance of educating our community about the changes in Midwestern agriculture and rural traditions. As we celebrate 40 years of our own history, we thought it important to honor those who have helped us through this journey.”

Dr. Randy Podhaski, principal of Sawyer Elementary School, commented on Schilling’s honor, saying, "I would like to offer my congratulations to Veralynn Schilling on being named Living History Farms' Teacher of the Year.  Mrs. Schilling has helped strengthen students' understanding and background knowledge and the important connections between the past and the present.  This is a well-deserved honor for Mrs. Schilling."

The Living History Farms’ Education Committee selected Schilling as the first recipient of this award, after reviewing applicants from public and parochial schools from across the state. In her acceptance speech, Schilling recognized the long-standing support of the Sawyer P.T.O., which has made this trip possible in recent years.

A plaque honoring the Teachers of the Year will be prominently displayed in the Living History Farms Visitors Center. Schilling will also become a member of the Living History Farms’ Education Advisory Committee for 2011.  The EAC provides valuable advice and direction to ensure that the programming offered by Living History Farms meets the needs of students of all ages.
 

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